Topline
The Florida Senate voted to pass a bill dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act” that would restrict how race can be discussed in workplaces and classrooms by banning lesson plans that make people feel guilty about their race, a piece of legislation Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign into law.
The old Florida Capitol building is seen, with the new Capitol building tower rising behind.
Key Facts
The bill would ban mandated lessons or workplace trainings that could cause individuals to experience discomfort, guilt or another form of “psychological distress” based on actions committed in the past by members of the same race, color, sex or national origin.
Critics of the bill said the legislation is attempting to whitewash history, with Sen. Audrey Gibson (D), a Black woman, pointing out during a debate Thursday that it could discourage discussion about slavery because white people enslaved Black people, according to the Washington Post.
If DeSantis signs the bill into law, a student or employee would be able to sue for damages under Florida civil rights laws if they feel like their school or employer has violated the act.
Key Background
DeSantis – who is up for reelection this year and has hinted at his interest in a future presidential run – is among the governors cracking down on classroom instruction material. Last year, Florida became the fifth state to ban schools from teaching critical race theory, which is based on the idea that white supremacy is systemic in the U.S. and upheld by the legal system and other power structures, not just by individuals. On Tuesday, the Florida Senate passed a bill that will restrict how gender identity and sexuality is discussed in the state’s classrooms – nicknamed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics – that DeSantis is also expected to sign into law. Florida is one of the states where books have recently been banned by school districts, most of which deal with subject matter like race, gender, sexuality and social inequality.
Further Reading
‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Passes Florida Senate (Forbes)
Controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Passed By Florida House (Forbes)
Florida Becomes Fifth State To Bar Schools From Teaching Critical Race Theory (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2022/03/10/florida-senate-passes-bill-to-ban-lessons-that-make-students-feel-guilty-for-their-race/