The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) has recently issued a travel advisory discouraging visits to Florida as a form of protest against Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies, which they perceive as “hostile to black Americans.” This advisory comes just days before DeSantis is scheduled to announce his candidacy for the presidency. The NAACP’s travel alert, issued on Saturday, boldly states that the Governor and the State of Florida have displayed a clear intention to silence African-American voices, creating an unwelcome environment for black Americans.
Highlighting several contentious policies, the NAACP sheds light on DeSantis’ recent actions. One such action is the signing of a bill that restricts the use of public funds to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at universities. Additionally, DeSantis vetoed an AP African American Studies course in Florida’s public schools, claiming it lacked “educational value.” Furthermore, he signed the Stop WOKE Act, which imposes restrictions on how schools can discuss race during mandatory training or instruction. These policies have raised concerns among critics who argue that an accurate representation of the challenges faced by black Americans is vital for students’ education.
Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP, firmly stated that the State of Florida, under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, has become hostile towards black Americans, directly contradicting the democratic ideals upon which the nation was founded. Johnson called upon the public to join the NAACP’s “battle for the soul of our nation,” emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues.
The NAACP’s advisory warns potential visitors to Florida about the devaluation and marginalization of African Americans and other communities of color within the state. The cautionary statement also mentions the “Parental Rights in Education” law, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law, which prohibits teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity to students in kindergarten through third grade. Governor DeSantis has defended this law, arguing that young students are not ready to explore such topics.
In response to the NAACP’s planned travel alert, DeSantis previously expressed his opposition, dismissing it as a mere stunt. He stated that he would not waste his time on such tactics. The Governor’s spokesperson and campaign adviser also criticized the NAACP’s advisory, referring to it as a stunt and dismissing its effectiveness.
It is important to note that Florida heavily relies on tourism as a significant economic driver. In 2021, the state welcomed 137.6 million visitors who contributed $101.9 billion to the economy and supported approximately 1.7 million jobs. The impact of the NAACP’s travel advisory on Florida’s tourism industry remains to be seen.
The NAACP’s stance against DeSantis may polarize voters, with conservative Republicans potentially rallying behind the Governor in the GOP primary against former President Trump. The Trump administration has previously issued a travel alert against Florida, and supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, who are opposed to teaching based on race, may align themselves with DeSantis.
In conclusion, the NAACP’s travel advisory warning against visiting Florida as a form of protest against Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies has created a significant stir. The advisory reflects the organization’s concerns about the perceived hostility towards black Americans and other communities of color in the state. Governor DeSantis’ policies and actions have drawn criticism and scrutiny, prompting discussions about racial equity and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in education and society. The impact of the NAACP’s advisory on tourism and the upcoming political landscape in Florida remains to be seen.