Will the controversial bill overcome first hurdle?
On November 17, a Florida Federal Judge blocked the law pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis intended to restrict teaching of race-based theory in colleges. The so-called 'Stop WOKE Act', approved by the senate earlier this year was issued with a temporary injunction yesterday, with District Judge Mark Walker calling it "positively dystopian".
In his ruling Judge Walker commented:
“If our ‘priests of democracy’ are not allowed to shed light on challenging ideas, then democracy will die in darkness."
Stop Woke Act
The act intends to ban classroom discussions and corporate training that make students or employees feel discomfort over their race. An example of this, is that it will prohibit the teaching of critical race theory in Florida's schools.
At the point of first introducing his bill, DeSantis stated:
“It violates Florida standards to scapegoat someone based on their race, to say that they’re inherently racist, to say that they’re an oppressor or oppressed or any of that.”
What is Critical Race Theory?
The theory was developed during the 1970s and 1980s in response to what academics viewed as a lack of racial progress following the civil rights legislation of the 1960s. It centers on the idea that racism is systemic in the nation’s institutions and that they function to maintain the dominance of white people in society.
Evidence for the accuracy of the theory is usually cited that Black Americans receive harsher jail sentences and are incarcerated at much higher rates than other races.
DeSantis even goes as far as to suggest that upon successful introduction of the law, parents of kids who are forced to learn Critical Race Theory by schools, could sue the school for overruling their wishes.
Next Steps
In spite of this initial setback, the Governor's spokesperson Brian Griffin has commented decisively that the DeSantis administration will appeal the injunction:
“We strongly disagree with Judge Walker’s preliminary injunction orders on the enforcement of the Stop W.O.K.E. Act and will continue to fight.”
Time will tell whether the judge's ruling helps to overturn the act, or whether the DeSantis administration is successful in their appeal.
What do you think about the Stop WOKE act? Are you in favor of the intentions of the law, or do you believe it's a violation of constitutional rights? Let me know in the comments section below.
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