Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has been a polarizing figure in American politics since taking office in 2019, pushing several contentious laws and policies. His latest move involving changes to Florida’s educational curriculum has once again thrust him and the state into the national spotlight.
Slavery’s Alleged Benefits
In a significant curriculum shift, the Florida Department of Education has mandated that Florida educators teach students that slavery had certain benefits for its victims. This directive has drawn widespread attention and criticism, with many questioning its historical accuracy and implications.
DeSantis’ Defiance and Justification
Governor DeSantis has vigorously defended his controversial curriculum change, asserting that it’s firmly rooted in historical facts and serves an educational purpose. He maintains that the decision was not politically motivated but was crafted by scholars within the Florida Department of Education.
Ron DeSantis’ Words
Judging by DeSantis’ words, he isn’t actually aware of the alleged historical facts himself. He said: “[The curriculum change is] rooted in whatever is factual. If you have any questions about it, just ask the Department of Education. But, I mean, these were scholars that put this together. This is not anything that was done politically.”
The Stop W.O.K.E. Act
The reason behind these curriculum changes is the Stop W.O.K.E. (War on Knowledge and Education) Act, which DeSantis signed into law in 2022. This legislation is aimed at combating what he views as state-sanctioned racism linked to critical race theory (CRT). The act extends its reach into the corporate world, striving to “protect” Florida employees from any training inspired by such teachings.
National Outcry and Critique
DeSantis and Florida’s Department of Education have faced a barrage of criticism from officials across the nation. Vice President Kamala Harris has been a vocal critic, condemning the new curriculum as “revisionist history” and accusing it of attempting to rewrite the narrative of slavery in America.
The Vice President’s Words
Harris said: “They push forward revisionist history. Just yesterday, in the state of Florida, they decided middle school students will be taught that enslaved people benefited from slavery. They insult us in an attempt to gaslight us and we will not stand for it. We must honor history and our duty in the context of legacy.”
The Potent Political Ramifications
The repercussions of DeSantis’ decision may be significant, especially in regard to his ambitions for the 2024 presidential nomination. Prominent Republican figures, including potential candidates, have openly challenged him. Some, like former Texas congressman Will Hurd, categorically reject the notion that there could be any positive aspect to slavery.
Failing to Connect With Black Conservatives
Governor DeSantis’ stance on the curriculum has strained his relationship with Black Republicans. Diante Johnson, president of the Black Conservative Federation, has criticized DeSantis for consistently failing to connect with Black conservatives. Even within the Florida Congress, Representative Byron Donalds has called for adjustments to the curriculum.
A Strong Competitor’s Perspective
Senator Tim Scott, one of DeSantis’ primary competitors for the GOP nomination, has been an outspoken critic of the curriculum change. While campaigning in Iowa, Scott highlighted the horrors of slavery and rejected any notion of a silver lining to it. He positioned himself as a candidate who fully acknowledges its historical impact.
A Country Founded on Freedom
Scott said: “As a country founded upon freedom, the greatest deprivation of freedom was slavery. There is no silver lining. What slavery was really about [was] separating families [and] mutilating humans. It was just devastating. So, I would hope that every person in our country – and certainly running for president – would appreciate that.”
DeSantis’ Unwavering Stance
Despite mounting criticism, Governor DeSantis has remained unwavering in his stance. He’s accused other Republicans of accepting false narratives and denounced Vice President Kamala Harris for perpetuating what he views as debunked claims.
The Internet Responded
News of the curriculum change was shared across the internet and, for the most part, people were horrified. Some people wrote sarcastic responses aimed at highlighting the absurdity of DeSantis’ claims. “Yeah and Pearl Harbor was great for the many Hawaiians who learned how to build bomb shelters,” one person said.
The Racist Vote
Others offered possible explanations for DeSantis’ behavior. One person suggested that the potential Republican nominee is trying to gain the support of racists. They wrote: “He knows he is not getting any Black votes so he’s going all in on the racist vote.”
A Moronic Decision
People were baffled by DeSantis’ stance. “This is moronic. [It’s] like saying the Jews benefited from the Holocaust. This guy is a class A ignoramus. Might be dumber than Trump in a way,” one person said. “I mean, I’m sure DeSantis would never say that – because he probably doesn’t believe in the Holocaust,” another responded.
Toddler MAGA Rage
Others speculated about how the Florida governor might behave if he’s unable to become President. “He’s gonna take his rage on not being able to be POTUS out on Florida for the next couple of years. I feel sorry for those who didn’t vote for him that have to suffer through it. Toddler MAGA rage is real,” one person said.
Republicans and Racism
Some people said they weren’t surprised. One person said: “Republicans think Black people were better off as slaves. Who’s surprised? I’m not. This has been their dream for a long time – enslaving Black people all over again. But you know that this time they won’t stop with [them], they’ll go after everyone that is a minority.”
Worse Than Trump
Some commenters went as far as to say that DeSantis is worse than Trump. “Honestly, this guy is worse than Trump. Hope he never gets elected anywhere ever again,” one person said. “That’s it. This is it. He’s officially worse than Trump. Who thought it was possible?” another echoed.
A Concerning Message
Others questioned the message that will be sent to Black children. One person wrote: “How they’re trying to justify this nonsense is amazing. Slavery was not a job training program. They don’t want to teach critical race theory because it sends the ‘wrong’ message to young White kids. What messages is this sending to Black kids?”
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