TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA — Today, The DeSantis Administration formally requested a breakdown of state college and university expenditures and resources used for any campus activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion – as well as critical race theory.
In a memo to Education Commissioner Manny Diaz and Chancellor Ray Rodrigues, the Director of the Office of Policy and Budget makes the request citing the governor’s priority for a cost-effective higher education system.
“Governor Ron DeSantis has prioritized a cost-effective higher education system that delivers
high-quality service to Floridians to best prepare them for employment. Additionally, state law requires dutiful attention to curriculum content at our higher education systems as specified in sections 1000.05 and 1007.25 of the Florida Statutes,” the memo states.
Each Florida College and State University must now provide a full breakdown of expenditures no later than Friday, January 13, 2023, according to the memo. Reports from each institution will be submitted to the Executive Office of the Governor – Office of Policy and Budget.
“A STAND AGAINST STATE-SANCTIONED RACISM”
Last April, DeSantis signed the Individual Freedom Act, also known as the “Stop Woke Act.” The law bans teaching students that one race or gender is morally superior to another. It also prohibits teachers from making students feel guilty for past discrimination by members of their race.
Specifically, the legislation bars portraying racial colorblindness as racist. The controversy over critical race theory – which assumes, among other things, that racism is ingrained into our country’s laws and power structure – has many professors considering shifting some of the curricula they’ve been using for the past few years.
“In Florida, we are taking a stand against the state-sanctioned racism that is critical race theory,” said Governor Ron DeSantis when he signed the bill. “We won’t allow Florida tax dollars to be spent teaching kids to hate our country or to hate each other. We also have a responsibility to ensure that parents have the means to vindicate their rights when it comes to enforcing state standards.”
