The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) declared a travel warning for the state of Florida, alleging that it “devalues and marginalizes” the concerns faced by communities of color.
The organization specifically cited on Saturday the state’s treatment of African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals as the basis for their advisory.
The NAACP’s decision to issue the travel advisory was sparked by Florida’s Republican Governor, Ron DeSantis, rejecting an initial Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies course that included topics on queer theory.
According to the press release, DeSantis’ stance on the curriculum prompted the NAACP to caution potential travelers about the state’s treatment of marginalized communities.
Governor DeSantis defended his decision, stating that Florida’s education standards already encompass the teaching of Black history and significant aspects of African American culture. In a quote reported by the Associated Press (AP), he emphasized, “We want education and not indoctrination.”
However, DeSantis further stirred controversy by signing the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act,” a law intended to prevent faculty from teaching race in a way that might induce feelings of guilt, anguish, or psychological distress. In November 2022, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker blocked the legislation, condemning it as “positively dystopian.”
The NAACP has issued a travel advisory for Florida, joining other civil rights groups in warning potential tourists that recent laws championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.” https://t.co/EjqTKGT98U— The Associated Press (@AP) May 21, 2023
Reacting to these developments, NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson expressed his disappointment, stating, “Failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all.” Johnson asserted that Florida, under DeSantis’ leadership, has become “hostile to Black Americans” and stands in “direct conflict with the democratic ideals” upon which the country was founded.
NAACP Chair of the Board of Directors, Leon Russell, echoed these sentiments, proclaiming, “We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding.” Russell called upon fellow Floridians to join the fight against what he described as “malicious attacks” on Black Americans, emphasizing the need to protect democracy.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson concluded by stating, “We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.” The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to combating the marginalization of communities of color and defending the rights and history of African Americans in Florida and beyond.
