Potential US presidential candidate Ron DeSantis says diversity programs act as a “political filter.”
Southeastern Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has announced plans to block state universities from implementing programs on diversity, equity, inclusion, and critical racial theory (CRT).
The Republican governor unveiled the proposal on Tuesday as part of a larger higher education legislative package that is expected to be taken up by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives in its regular legislative session beginning in March.
DeSantis, a potential Republican presidential candidate for 2024, has strongly criticized the important racial theories that examine systemic racism, along with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program, commonly known as DEI. I’m here.
Critical race theory is a way of thinking about U.S. history through the lens of racism. Scholars developed it in the 1970s and 1980s in response to what they saw as a lack of racial progress following the Civil Rights Act of the 1960s. It is based on the idea of being systematic in a national system that works to maintain supremacy.
“I think people want to see real scholars and get rid of the political pretense that seems to come with all this,” DeSantis said at a press conference in the coastal city of Bradenton. .
In a statement, the Governor’s Office said the proposal “will allow the Florida Raise the bar for public higher education learning and civic discourse.” initiative.
DeSantis has pledged not to “fund” such programs. “I think this is very important because it really works as an ideological filter, a political filter,” he said.
The proposal is expected after the DeSantis administration requested in late December to submit spending data and other information to state universities on programs related to critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion. was
The governor is also asking education administrators to “recalibrate” courses to provide historically accurate information and not include identity politics. Although DeSantis’ proposals have not yet been introduced into formal law, Republican-controlled state legislatures are often eager to implement his initiative.
DeSantis and other conservatives have long argued that critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion programs are racist and discriminatory.
Last year, the governor signed a law called the Stop WOKE Act. This limits certain race-based conversations and analysis in schools and businesses. It prohibits instructions that others should feel guilty for their past actions.
Earlier this month, the DeSantis administration blocked a new Advanced Placement course, an undergraduate-level program for high school students focused on African-American studies, saying it violated state law to teach in public schools in Florida. He also denounced the course for being historically inaccurate.
So far, at least 25 states are considering legislation or other measures to limit the teaching of race and racism, according to Education Week’s analysis. Eight all Republican-led states have banned or restricted the teaching of critical racial theories or similar concepts through legislation or administrative action. Prohibitions are primarily intended for what is taught in the classroom.
The new higher education proposal builds on the 2022 reforms.
– Core course rooted in Western tradition
– Eliminate DEI/CRT bureaucracy
– Strengthen citizen-focused laboratories at UF, FSU and FIU
– Additional accountability for tenured faculty pic.twitter.com/XV6mExlzHJ— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 31, 2023
Proponents of diversity programs and critical race theory counter systemic racism and present an accurate version of U.S. history that shows the racism faced by African Americans and other ethnic minorities. The purpose is to teach.
Several Democratic lawmakers have denounced DeSantis’ plans to interfere in public education. “I’m not saying anything against ideology on college campuses….it’s like imposing your own ideology on college campuses,” Florida Congressman Anna Escamani wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
The governor’s move last week to block the Advanced Placement Course in African American Studies also sparked outrage.
“Ron DeSantis banned AP African American studies for ‘no educational value’ because it exposed white supremacy,” Rep. Rashida Tlaib said in a social media post last week. said in
“We cannot teach the truth about American history without African-American history. Period.”
