JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Legislation aiming to prohibit discriminatory concepts from being taught in schools and to employees is ready for a final vote in the Florida Senate.
The bill came about after the Governor called for a ban on Critical Race Theory, but it’s changed quite a bit since the start of session.
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The bill now includes a significant amount of specific language ensuring Black history is taught in Florida schools.
One of the main concerns with the bill originally was that it would make it impossible to teach Black history.
The crux of the bill prohibits schools and employers from teaching students and employees concepts like racial superiority.
Originally the bill allowed for students and employees to sue if they were made to feel uncomfortable or guilty based on their race.
But the ‘uncomfortable’ language has been removed.
“We cannot control nor are we stopping someone from feeling discomfort when they hear these topics whether it be in a classroom or in a training,” said Senate sponsor Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens).
Still, Senate Democrats expressed concerns language in the bill leaves the door open for subjectivity and will lead to frivolous lawsuits.
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“How do you legislate guilt, anguish and psychological distress?” said State Senator Annette Taddeo (D-Miami).
And despite the new language on teaching Black history, Democrats worry the language isn’t strong enough because the bill only says instructors may facilitate those discussions.
“You are making history of African Americans optional,” said State Senator Randolph Bracy (D-Orlando).
But the bill sponsor rejected that premise, noting African American history is already part of state curriculum.
“Under no circumstance are we trying to do anything but augment that history,” said Diaz.
The Senate is likely to take a final vote on the bill Thursday, sending it to the Governor’s desk.
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