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Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday banned public colleges and universities in Florida from spending money on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in large part and other ways that could restructure higher education in state schools. signed a bill imposing measures.
The law also restricts the way educators discuss discrimination in required low-level courses, for example banning teaching “identity politics” and weakening tenure protections. Mr. DeSantis signed the document at New College, Florida. New College, Florida, is a public liberal arts institution whose governor is aggressively seeking change, replacing the board with conservative allies and plotting to appoint a new president. The governor, who is expected to announce his presidential campaign soon, erupted in loud protests on Monday, some of which could be heard over telecasts.
Why it matters: More states are taking similar steps.
Seen as a political attack on academic independence and anti-stigma efforts, the law has angered teachers, free speech groups and students, especially young people of color, gays and transgender people. However, Democrats were able to organize little opposition in the Republican-dominated Florida legislature.
“If you want to do something like gender ideology, go to Berkeley,” DeSantis said at the bill’s signing ceremony.
Republican lawmakers across the country have stepped up similar efforts to limit or eliminate diversity efforts, which they consider discriminatory.
In Texas, last month, the state legislature passed a budget to eliminate diversity offices and public college training. More than a dozen other states, including Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina, have proposed legislation targeting diversity programs, according to the Higher Education Chronicle.
Advocates of the program argue that it helps students of all backgrounds succeed on campus.
“Don’t get me wrong, this bill completely destroys Florida’s world-class higher education system,” Florida Democratic Party leader Nikki Freed said in a statement.
What’s next: For DeSantis, a presidential run is likely to be tied to victory in Florida’s Congress.
DeSantis is likely to announce his candidacy for president by the end of May. He has used laws such as the Higher Education Bill to market himself to conservatives in the reserve state.
However, some of the bills could face legal problems. Last year, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction against similar legislation, saying the restrictions on what teachers could teach were “clearly dystopian.”
Patricia Matsey Contributed to the report.