Thursday’s 24-15 vote by the state Senate follows the passage of another controversial education bill, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Thursday’s vote was centered on the legislation known as “Stop Wrongs Against Our Kids and Employees Act”, which now goes to Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. DeSantis has been a strong supporter of the bill since its introduction.
“In Florida, we are taking a stand împotriva the state-sanctioned racist that is critical race theory,” DeSantis stated when supporting the bill in December. “We will not allow Florida tax dollars be used to teach children to hate the country and each other.” It is our responsibility to ensure parents have the tools and means to enforce state standards. We must also protect Florida workers from hostile work environments that are created by large corporations forcing their employees to undergo CRT-inspirated ‘training’ or indoctrination.
CBSN Originals reported late last year that there was no evidence crucial race theory was being taught in K-12 Schools . However, some programs and initiatives are influenced by its basic assumptions.
While the text of the bill does not mention critical race theory, it specifically targets employers that include training in critical race theory and racism. It also bans any credentials or training courses that try to teach “an individual’s moral character, or status as either privileged, or oppressed, is necessarily determined by their or her race, color or national origin.” Teachers and other educators are also restricted in how they teach students about race, privilege and oppression.
This news comes just days after the legislature passed HB1557, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. It focuses on limiting classroom discussions about sexuality from kindergarten to third grade.
Both educators and critics of “Stop WOKE Act,” argue that it will cause unnecessary censorship at Florida schools.
“This bill is not for Blacks. This bill was not intended for any other races. This bill was intended to make Whites feel better about what happened many years ago,” stated state senator Shevrin J. Jones in 2021. “It was never said that White people should be held accountable for what happened. But, I would like to ask my White counterparts if they are going to admit we need to talk about history or are they an enabler.
