The NAACP has issued a travel advisory for Florida, warning people of color that the state is "openly hostile toward African Americans" under Governor Ron DeSantis' administration.
The advisory comes in response to a number of policies and actions by Governor Ron DeSantis, including his ban on critical race theory in schools and signing into law the Parental Rights in Education Act.
"We are issuing this travel advisory to warn people of color that Florida is not a safe place for them," said NAACP President Derrick Johnson.
"Governor DeSantis is actively working to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools. We urge people of color to reconsider traveling to Florida” the advisory said.
Critical Race Theory
The concept that "one race, color, national origin, or sex are morally superior to members of another race, color, national origin, or sex" and that "a person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously." (Source)
Parental Rights in Education Act
Prohibits school district personnel from discouraging or prohibiting parental notification & involvement in critical decisions affecting student's mental, emotional, or physical well-being; prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels; requires school districts to notify parents of healthcare services; authorizes parent to bring action against school district to obtain declaratory judgment; provides for additional award of injunctive relief, damages, & reasonable attorney fees & court costs to certain parents. (Source)
Here are some additional details about the NAACP's travel advisory:
- The advisory was issued on May 20, 2023.
- The advisory is targeted at people of color, but it also warns LGBTQ+ individuals about the state's hostile environment.
- The advisory cites a number of specific actions by DeSantis' administration that it says are discriminatory.
- The advisory urges people to reconsider their plans to visit Florida and to instead support businesses and organizations that are working to create a more inclusive and equitable Florida.
The NAACP, or National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is one of the oldest and most well-respected civil rights organizations in the United States.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP has played a major role in the fight for racial equality, from the abolition of slavery to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
In recent years, however, some have argued that the NAACP has become more partisan and political than action oriented. They argue that the NAACP has lost its focus on its core mission of fighting for racial equality.
Proponents of the NAACP's current direction argue that the organization is simply adapting to the changing political landscape.
Civil rights include the right to life and critics can point to the other areas in the country where Black men and women are being harmed at record numbers. Actual hostility and loss of life, like in Chicago where up to 80% Of Chicago Homicide Victims Are Black.
Why hasn't the NAACP issued a travel warning for Chicago?
Black Political Opinion is a multi-part opinion-editorial series that will look at various political topics, news, and views that impact the black community. (Disclaimer: Lashaun is a Black female, conservative leaning Independent, who voted for Biden in 2020).
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