Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is demanding state universities reveal how much money they squander on programs and staff to push the racially divisive and discriminatory ideology embedded in so-called “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) initiatives and critical race theory (CRT).
According to a memo released by DeSantis Press Secretary Bryan Griffin, every institution within the Florida College System and State University System must provide the administration with “a comprehensive list of all staff, programs, and campus activities” pertaining to DEI and CRT by no later than Jan. 13. The administration further requests a detailed cost breakdown of the lists, such as the “total funding spent to support the initiative,” as well as the amount of each total figure that is funded by the state.
“As the Executive Office of the Governor prepares policy and budget proposals ahead of the 2023 Legislative Session, it is important that we have a full understanding of the operational expenses of state institutions,” the memo reads.
Similar to how traditional Marxism wields economic status to foment social angst between the rich and poor (bourgeoisie and proletariat), CRT wields race to accomplish the same goal by creating an “us vs. them” dynamic among the unsuspecting populace. Rather than teaching children to judge others by the content of their character, critical race theory brainwashes them into viewing the world through a racial lens, wherein all white people are classified as oppressors and non-white people as oppressed.
Meanwhile, poorly-named “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) programs bring such ideals into the workplace and higher education by dismissing merit for characteristics such as skin color and sexuality. Individuals who qualify for a certain position on the merits, but don’t meet the entity’s goal of being more “diverse,” are passed over in favor of those who check whatever box the “woke” crowd finds acceptable.
During his first term as governor, DeSantis worked with the Florida legislature to combat the left’s ideological crusade throughout Florida’s classrooms. In April 2022, the Republican governor signed legislation prohibiting the teaching of CRT in public schools and at events such as workplace training sessions. A month prior, he also signed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill that bars “classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through 3rd grade.”
“We must ensure school systems are responsive to parents and to students, not partisan interest groups, and we must ensure that our institutions of higher learning are focused on academic excellence and the pursuit of truth, not the imposition of trendy ideology,” DeSantis said during his inaugural speech on Tuesday.
