DeSantis Signs Bills Against DEI, Net-Zero Carbon Emission Policies

Last week, Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills into law aimed at limiting the funding, promotion, and implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, as well as the adoption or enforcement of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies, including carbon taxes.

According to DeSantis’ office, SB 1134, establishes that local governments are prohibited from establishing or maintaining DEI offices, officers, or programs, bars taxpayer funding from being allocated to DEI-related initiatives or even third-party contractors promoting DEI efforts. Additionally, it will require grant recipients to certify that public funds won’t be used to further DEI.

Florida’s SB 1134 roughly defines “diversity, equity, and inclusion” as efforts to influence hiring, benefits, or training based on race, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation, beyond federal equal-opportunity and anti-discrimination requirements.

The bill, which turned into law last week, also includes enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for officials who break this law.

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