DeSantis Pushes Bill Targeting Critical Race Theory in Schools

Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing a new bill that would allow parents to sue school districts if their children are taught critical race theory in classrooms, which mirrors how Texas’ abortion ban is enforced.

DeSantis announced the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act” in Wildwood, Florida on Wednesday, alongside state Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran. “Our legislation will defend any money for K-12 going to CRT consultants,” the governor said. “No taxpayer dollars should be used to teach our kids to hate our country or hate each other.”

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Under the proposed measure, parents would be granted a “private right of action” to enforce the state’s ban on critical race theory in schools. The bill also takes aim at such training in companies, allowing individuals the right to sue businesses if they are forced to learn critical race theory.

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DeSantis’ new plan comes after he directed the Florida Department of Education to ban critical race theory in schools in June.

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As an example of critical race theory being pushed by educators, DeSantis cited an “Equity Toolkit” posted online by the Arizona Department of Education, which he said claimed that “babies show the first sign of racism by three months old.”

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The governor called “woke ideology” an attempt to erase the country’s history, referencing the removal of statues in recent years. The bill would also let parents collect attorneys fees if they are successful with their lawsuits {snip}

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