Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Legislation to Protect Floridians from Discrimination and Woke Indoctrination

Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill (HB) 7, landmark legislation designed to equip businesses, employees, students, and families with tools to stand against discrimination and ideological indoctrination. HB 7 prevents discriminatory instruction in workplaces and public schools, affirming that all individuals are equal before the law and possess inalienable rights. This first-of-its-kind legislation addresses corporate "wokeness" and the spread of Critical Race Theory in schools.

Governor DeSantis said:

"No one should be made to feel ashamed or inferior because of their race. In Florida, we reject the far-left woke agenda in our schools and workplaces. Indoctrination and discrimination have no place here."

Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez added:

"By enacting the first legislation in the nation targeting both corporate wokeness and Critical Race Theory, we are making it clear that education is for learning, not indoctrination. We will always defend the rights of parents and protect our children from Marxist-inspired curricula."

Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran stated:

"I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for standing against revisionist history and ideological agendas. Our focus must be teaching students critical thinking, not what to think. This law ensures that every student is treated as an individual with equal opportunities to succeed."

Senate President Wilton Simpson said:

"Every person deserves dignity and respect. This bill ensures students and employees are not pressured to adopt political viewpoints and supports factual, balanced instruction in schools."

House Speaker Chris Sprowls emphasized:

"HB 7 protects students and employees from being judged based on race, sex, or origin, ensuring classrooms and workplaces focus on individuals, not group identities. Thanks to the leadership of Speaker Pro Tempore Avila and Governor DeSantis, Florida reaffirms its commitment to fairness and opportunity."

Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. added:

"No one in Florida should ever be subjected to discriminatory rhetoric in schools or at work. Florida remains committed to objective, accurate teaching, not indoctrination."

Christopher Rufo, Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, said:

"Critical Race Theory segregates people by race. Florida’s leaders are standing firm against this divisive ideology, and Governor DeSantis has shown unwavering leadership by rejecting corporate pressure and defending individualism."

Parents also voiced strong support:

• A Hillsborough County mother, Alysha Legge, praised the Governor for defending constitutional principles and protecting her diverse family from harmful racial stereotypes.
• Christine Chaparro, a Broward County mother, described how public school materials inaccurately promote biased narratives and emphasized her family's search for better alternatives.
• Quisha King, a parent activist, commended DeSantis for confronting the reality of Critical Race Theory's presence in schools, stating, "We want our children judged by character, not skin color."

About HB 7

HB 7 strengthens civil rights protections in employment and K-20 education by prohibiting activities that compel students or employees to adopt discriminatory concepts. Specifically, the legislation bans teaching or requiring belief in ideas such as:

• Moral superiority based on race, color, national origin, or sex.
• Inherent racism, sexism, or oppression based solely on race or sex.
• Judging individuals’ moral character or status as privileged or oppressed based on race, color, national origin, or sex.
• Advocating discrimination or adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.

Upholding Principles of Individual Freedom

HB 7 requires that instruction, teaching materials, and professional development in Florida’s public schools follow principles of individual freedom. These principles emphasize that no one is inherently racist or oppressive due to their race or sex and that meritocracy and hard work are essential to the pursuit of success.

The law authorizes discussion of sensitive topics, including sexism, slavery, racial oppression, segregation, and discrimination, but ensures they are taught factually, in an age-appropriate manner, without promoting ideological bias.

Expanding the Teaching of African American History

HB 7 also expands the instruction of African American history in public schools to deepen students’ understanding of the impact of prejudice and racism. Lessons will emphasize respectful citizenship and tolerance, safeguarding the democratic values on which the nation was founded. Schools must provide factual education on topics like African American history and the Holocaust, free from subjective, divisive messaging.