SPLC Action Fund Denounces Anti-Democratic Bills Censoring Educators, Employers in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Yesterday, the Florida House Judiciary Committee passed HB 7, a censorship bill that amplifies the efforts of a white nationalist movement to ban honest dialogue about race in schools and work environments. It also encourages lawsuits against businesses that refuse to follow the proposed speech restrictions. A similar bill, HB 1557, that restricts classroom discussions about gender and LGBTQ rights issues is also advancing through the state legislature.

The following statement is from Bacardi Jackson, Children’s Rights interim deputy legal director for the SPLC Action Fund.

“Schools and businesses have a reasonable and righteous obligation to uphold our democracy by providing knowledge that fosters critical thinking, respect and understanding among people from all walks of life. Without such effort, we can never truly be ‘the land of the free.’

“The passage of HB7 in the House Judiciary Committee is part of a shameless nationwide effort to censor difficult and uncomfortable facts about our nation’s history and enduring racism – a history and reality so despicable that those who have benefited from them believe they must ban our knowledge of them. This plot to instill a culture of willful ignorance in our schoolhouses and workplaces would force educators and employers to relegate the needs and experiences of Black, Indigenous and other people of color. Under HB1557, which passed the House Education & Employment Committee last week, schools would also face restrictions on lessons that involve gender and LGBTQ rights issues.

“These restrictions would reinstate the conventions of the antebellum South when the perspective and comfort of only white men mattered. At the same time, and on the heels of a promise by Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran to police teachers and get ‘c---y liberal stuff’ out of classrooms, another lawmaker has introduced legislation to force teachers to wear audio recording devices in their classrooms.

“By yielding to scare tactics reminiscent of the McCarthy Era, such bills introduced at the urging of Governor Ron DeSantis, wage an all-out attack on private companies, educators, children and our democracy. And, by stifling the freedom of all of us to learn, they would doom us to repeat the mistakes of our past. Indeed, if this concerted effort has taught us anything, it is that we have a long road before white supremacy and bigotry are eradicated from our systems of government and democracy is secure.

“If passed, these bills would have a profound negative impact on school climate and protections for non-white, gender non-conforming and LGBTQ people. It also paves the way for an inferior education that puts all students at a disadvantage for their future.

“Our state needs more real leaders who will stand up for our democracy and defend the principles of freedom and justice for all. Until then, the march continues, and we will vigorously work to stop the passage of these harmful laws.”