The NAACP has issued a travel advisory urging Black people to avoid visiting Florida, citing Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to erase African American history and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in schools. According to CNN, the historic advocacy group released a statement expressing concern over Florida’s hostile stance towards African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The NAACP emphasized that the state devalues and marginalizes the contributions and challenges faced by these communities.
The travel advisory has been in development for months, with the Hillsborough County Chapter of the NAACP collaborating with the national office. NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson denounced DeSantis’ actions, stating that the failure to teach an accurate representation of the struggles and inequalities faced by Black Americans is a disservice to students and a neglect of duty.
Governor DeSantis, a controversial Republican politician, has prioritized social issues since taking office. Last year, he signed the “Stop WOKE Act,” which imposes restrictions on discussions about race and gender in classrooms. The state’s curriculum has faced significant changes under his administration, with areas of concern recommended for removal, including Black Queer Studies, Movement for Black Lives, Black Feminist Literary Thought, The Reparations Movement, and Black Struggle in the 21st Century. Additionally, books by influential Black authors such as Bell Hooks and Angela Davis have been banned.
This travel advisory is not the first issued by the NAACP in relation to African Americans. In 2017, a similar advisory was issued against the state of Missouri due to concerns over race, gender, and color-based crimes.
The NAACP’s travel advisory serves as a call to awareness, cautioning individuals about the treatment of African Americans and other marginalized communities in Florida.
