Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, once hailed by civil rights activists for pardoning four wrongfully convicted Black men, has now faced criticism for his administration’s policies that are seen as detrimental to people of color. The recent release of a new curriculum on Black history in public schools has sparked outrage among African American leaders, who view it as an example of “policy violence” against marginalized communities.
Specifically, the curriculum requires teachers to 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 and accused his critics of misinterpreting the curriculum. However, civil rights leaders argue that this is just one instance of a broader pattern of erasing Black history and restricting diversity programs in Florida schools.
Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, has condemned DeSantis’ approach, stating that he has “perfected the art of using policy violence.” The NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida, cautioning African Americans against DeSantis’ actions.
This debate highlights the risks DeSantis faces in his presidential ambitions and the Republican Party’s struggle to appeal to voters of color. While many ambitious Republican leaders have used white grievance to energize their base, DeSantis has taken far-right positions on race more aggressively than his competitors in the 2024 presidential race.
DeSantis remains defiant in the face of criticism, urging supporters to side with the state of Florida rather than his detractors, including Vice President Kamala Harris. However, even some Black conservatives have spoken out against the curriculum, suggesting that adjustments need to be made.
As this controversy unfolds, DeSantis risks alienating potential conservative supporters and undermining his message as a more electable candidate than Donald Trump. Republican strategists acknowledge that this curriculum fight could hinder the party’s recent gains with voters of color.
However, DeSantis does have his defenders who argue that he is being unfairly criticized. They caution against taking one part of the curriculum out of context and point out that it was written and approved by an African American scholar.
This debate reflects a larger reality within the GOP, where far-right positions on race have become increasingly popular. Republican candidates emphasize their opposition to critical race theory and deny the existence of systemic racism in America, accusing Democrats of perpetuating this notion for political gain.
While DeSantis is not alone in pushing the limits of the GOP’s rightward shift on race, he has taken more definitive actions to enforce conservative positions, especially after his presidential ambitions came into view. These actions include pardoning wrongfully convicted Black men and enacting legislation that targets protests associated with African American demonstrations against police violence.
Despite the controversy, DeSantis remains a formidable contender in the 2024 presidential race, appealing to a base that prioritizes conservative values and positions on race. The outcome of this debate will shape not only DeSantis’ political future but also the direction of the Republican Party in relation to issues of racial justice.
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