In a bid to elevate his political career, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ignited a controversy surrounding racial justice, leading civil rights activists to question their initial optimism about his stance. The controversy stems from the release of an “anti-woke” curriculum on Black history, which mandates that Florida teachers instruct middle-school students that enslaved people “developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” DeSantis has defended this language, dismissing critics’ claims that it erases the harsh reality of slavery. However, civil rights leaders argue that DeSantis has engaged in a pattern of “policy violence” against people of color, evidenced by his broader efforts to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools. The debate over the curriculum underscores the risks of DeSantis’ approach to racial issues as he positions himself alongside former President Donald Trump in the 2024 primary race and attempts to improve the Republican Party’s relationship with voters of color.
DeSantis’ combative and far-right stance on race has drawn criticism from Florida teachers, civil rights leaders, and Vice President Kamala Harris. While many of his GOP presidential rivals have remained silent on the issue, some Black conservatives have begun to speak out, expressing concerns over the curriculum’s suggestion that enslaved people derived any benefit from their situation. Notably, Rep. Byron Donalds, a powerful Black Republican in Florida, has emphasized the need for adjustments and refinement in this area. However, the DeSantis administration has responded aggressively to Donalds’ critique, refusing to make changes to the curriculum at the behest of what they perceive as outside influence.
DeSantis’ approach to racial issues not only risks alienating voters of color but also undermines his claim of being a more electable candidate than Trump in a general election against President Joe Biden. Republican strategists recognize that the curriculum controversy could undermine the party’s modest progress with voters of color in recent elections. African Americans and Latinos, particularly young men, have shown a slight shift toward the GOP, although the majority still support Democrats. Republican strategist Alice Stewart argues that DeSantis should focus on more important issues and warns that the current debate could alienate voters of color and suburban whites alike. However, she also suggests that DeSantis is being unfairly criticized and highlights the involvement of an African American scholar in developing the curriculum.
The polarization surrounding DeSantis’ racial stance reflects a broader trend within the GOP, which has increasingly embraced far-right positions on race since Trump’s rise. Pushing the boundaries of the party’s rightward shift, Trump himself dined with a white supremacist last year, and several Republican members of Congress have associated themselves with white supremacist gatherings. All the GOP presidential candidates have expressed opposition to critical race theory, downplaying the idea of systemic racism in the nation’s institutions and accusing Democrats of using it for political gain. DeSantis, however, has taken these conservative positions further than his rivals, using his position as governor to enshrine them into law.
In conclusion, the controversy over Florida’s curriculum on Black history exposes the risks of DeSantis’ approach to racial issues as he vies for the presidency in 2024. While his combative conservatism may resonate with the party’s predominantly white base in primary elections, it risks alienating voters of color and undermining his claim of being a more electable candidate than Trump. The debate also highlights the broader shift within the GOP towards far-right positions on race, which have become increasingly popular since Trump’s ascent. Ultimately, DeSantis’ strategy may mobilize a segment of passionate Republican voters but threatens to erode the party’s progress with voters of color.
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