‘Policy Violence’ Condemned by Black Leaders in DeSantis Administration
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing criticism from civil rights leaders, teachers, and the Biden administration over his approach to racial issues. Critics argue that DeSantis has enacted policies that amount to “policy violence” against people of color, including the implementation of an “anti-woke” curriculum in public schools. The curriculum requires teachers to instruct students that enslaved people “developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.” DeSantis has defended the language, accusing his critics of misinterpreting the standards. Civil rights leaders argue that DeSantis is using policy violence to erode Black history and restrict diversity and inclusion programs in schools. The contentious debate highlights the risks of DeSantis’ approach to racial issues as he seeks the presidency and the Republican Party works to strengthen its standing with voters of color. While some Black conservatives, like Rep. Byron Donalds, have expressed concerns about the standards, others, such as Quisha King, a Black Republican activist, support DeSantis’ leadership. DeSantis’ approach could alienate voters of color and undermine his core message of electability against President Joe Biden in the general election. Republican strategists warn that the standards fight could undermine the party’s recent gains with voters of color. DeSantis has faced allegations of racism in the past but initially garnered praise for pardoning four Black men wrongfully convicted of rape. However, his policies, including the anti-riot act and the Stop WOKE Act, have been viewed as detrimental to racial justice.
