Critical Race Theory

Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed the Stop Wrongs Against Our Kids and Employees Act to restrict how race-related issues can be taught in public schools and in workplace training sessions.

Said bill sponsor Sen. Joe Gruters, R-Sarasota: “This is all about transparency and making sure that parents know exactly what's being taught in their schools.”

Democratic lawmakers are alarmed about a proposed amendment that requires school staff to notify parents within six weeks of the child’s disclosure even if officials think the student would face abuse, abandonment or neglect as a result.

Opponents say the bills would further stigmatize LGBTQ people and limit teachers’ abilities to discuss the realities of American history.

They’re part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to push back against the so-called “woke” agenda.

House sponsor Bryan Avila, R-Miami Springs, defended the measure as being geared toward ensuring people don’t face hostility on the job or in school.

Conversations and training in schools and businesses around race and gender issues could become severely curtailed under a proposal advancing in the Florida House.

Bills before the Florida Legislature would severely restrict what teachers can say when it comes to race, history and LGBTQ issues. The leader of Florida's largest teachers union says anti-public school policies have fractured public education.

Democrats argued the bill isn’t needed, would lead to frivolous lawsuits and said it would amount to censorship in schools.

Boca Raton Democrat Sen. Tina Polsky said the part of the bill that deals with employer training is “awful for the business community.”

Fentrice Driskell, a representative from Tampa and policy chairwoman for the House Democratic Caucus, said her party will focus on “pocketbook issues" such as property insurance rates.

The governor’s war on "wokeness" — critics call it a distraction and even dangerous. DeSantis calls it common sense.