A recent Florida law, Senate Bill 266, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has become the target of a federal lawsuit. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida, along with a group of educators, argues that the law unfairly penalizes both educators and students for expressing viewpoints that differ from the state's preferred stance. Enacted in 2023, SB 266 prohibits public colleges and universities from utilizing state funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and activities.
The lawsuit, filed last week, contends that the legislation restricts academic freedom and enforces specific viewpoints within public higher education. The plaintiffs assert that the law's vague language creates a chilling effect, leaving instructors and students apprehensive about the future of education and free thought in Florida. They argue that the regulations offer little guidance beyond signaling the legislature's intent to suppress certain forms of speech.
The State University System of Florida defines DEI as any program, activity, or policy categorizing individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and promoting differential treatment based on these classifications. Conservatives have increasingly targeted DEI initiatives, advocating for a return to merit-based systems and curricula they perceive as less divisive.
The defendants named in the lawsuit include members of the university system's Board of Governors and trustees of the universities where the educators are employed. The legal challenge to Florida's DEI law follows similar actions in other states. Last year, the University of North Carolina Board of Governors voted to eliminate DEI mandates, and states like Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas have also enacted legislation targeting DEI practices.
DeSantis has been a vocal critic of DEI, proclaiming Florida as the place "where woke goes to die." Other prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump and several red-state governors, have also condemned DEI initiatives. Furthermore, a number of large corporations have recently scaled back their DEI programs.
