The NAACP issued a “travel advisory” for the state of Florida over the weekend, saying that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ insurance policies represent an “all-out attack on Black Americans” and different minorities.
“Please be advised that Florida is openly hostile toward African-Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the formal discover states.
“Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the State of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African-Americans and other minorities,” the group said.
The discover accused Mr. DeSantis of criminalizing protests, proscribing classes on Black historical past and opposing variety and inclusion initiatives.
“Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority,” Leon Russell, the chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, mentioned in an announcement adjoining the advisory.
The Florida governor signed a brand new legislation final week that bans public schools and universities from spending cash on variety, fairness and inclusion applications.
Florida’s Department of Education threatened to ban revisions to an Advanced Placement course on African American Studies earlier this yr due to what Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. referred to as “woke indoctrination masquerading as education.”
In 2021, Mr. DeSantis signed a legislation that creates harsher penalties for crimes dedicated throughout riots or violent protests, and in addition made it a felony to destroy symbols that commemorate historic occasions or folks. The legislation nonetheless hasn’t taken impact resulting from ongoing authorized challenges.
“If you are a resident of Florida, we ask you to join us in our advocacy efforts to defeat the regressive policies of this Governor and this state legislature,” the advisory reads. “Our greatest asset is the voice of the millions who speak up every day to protect our democracy and our civil rights.”
The NAACP mentioned its advisory will stay in impact till additional discover.
— This article relies partly on wire service experiences.
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