Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has made a number of controversial decisions regarding the state’s educational system and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. On Wednesday, February 1, Governor DeSantis released the proposed Fiscal 2023-2024 Framework for Freedom Budget, which includes high-priority conservation items such as eradication and control of pythons and other nonnative fish and wildlife species as well as support for law enforcement.
The budget proposal, totaling $114.8 billion, is a $3.9 billion increase over the current year $110.9 billion budget and includes a $2 billion tax cut to provide relief to Florida families. Governor DeSantis has referred to the budget proposal as “Framework for Freedom” and has requested that the Florida House and Senate consider it.
In addition, Governor DeSantis has expressed his intention to ban diversity, equity and inclusion programs, including critical race theory, at Florida colleges and universities.[0] At a press conference on Jan. 31, 2023, in Bradenton, Florida, he stated, “You’re not going to have a good economy if the streets aren’t safe. You’re not going to good education if people don’t feel safe. None of it works unless you have the foundation.”[1]
The decision has been met with criticism from those who believe that banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs at Florida colleges and universities will hinder the progress of African American history, an integral part of the American experience. Mitchell, an advocate for African American education, questioned, “What does Governor Ron DeSantis not know about Black history and the Black experience when he says that slavery and the aftermath of slavery should not be taught to Florida schoolchildren?”[2]
Ultimately, it is up to the Florida Legislature to determine the state budget for the year and if Governor DeSantis’ Framework for Freedom Budget will be approved. The budget must be balanced, and is the only bill the Legislature is constitutionally required to pass each year.[3] The Legislature will reach their final decisions during the Session commencing on Tuesday, March 7th.[3]
0. “New College students, faculty protest Gov. DeSantis’ changes to …” www.abcactionnews.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.abcactionnews.com/news/region-sarasota-manatee/new-college-of-florida-students-faculty-and-alumni-protests-gov-desantis-changes-to-campus
1. “Ron DeSantis tramples over Trump turf with his outreach to law …” www.msn.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/ron-desantis-tramples-over-trump-turf-with-his-outreach-to-law-enforcement/ar-AA17JBSY?li=BBnbcA1
2. “MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell Blatantly Lies to Kamala Harris About Ron …” www.outkick.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://www.outkick.com/msnbcs-andrea-mitchell-blatantly-lies-to-kamala-harris-about-ron-desantis-and-florida-schools/
3. “”The Framework for Freedom,” Governor Ron DeSantis’ State …” gunster.com, 22 Feb. 2023, https://gunster.com/alerts/the-framework-for-freedom-governor-ron-desantis-state-budget-recommendation-for-the-2023-2024-fiscal-year/
