NAACP warns Black Americans against traveling to Florida due to ‘hostile’ policies
WASHINGTON, D.C. (FLV) – The NAACP Board of Directors warned Black Americans to be advised of “hostile” Florida policies if considering a trip to the state.
They referenced policies from Republicans and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Please be advised that Florida public schools will not teach your children accurate African-American history, which includes a history of enslavement, segregation, racial injustice and systemic racism,” they claimed.
“Please be advised that the State of Florida does not value diversity, equity, and inclusion in Florida schools, colleges and universities,” the advisory continued. “Please be advised that the State of Florida does not welcome the contributions of African Americans and people of color.”
The comments run contrary to Florida hosting Black History Month contests in February along with state law that requires students learn about African American history in K-12 education – including slavery, abolition and the history and contributions of Americans of the African diaspora to society.
Also passed in the GOP-controlled legislature this year was legislation increasing requirements for African American history teaching in schools.
The advisory from the NAACP went on to say there is “open hostility” towards Black Americans and other “people of color,” that those who visit or resident in Florida should “advocate for legislation that supports diversity” and the “protection of African-American’s right to vote.”
It will remain “until further notice.”
In a press release, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said, “Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon.”
“He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight,” he said. “We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”
The potential advisory was floated in late-March initially, to which DeSantis called it a “joke” and a “stunt.”
“This is a stunt to try to do that,” he said. “It’s a pure stunt, and fine, if you want to waste your time on a stunt, that’s fine. But I’m not wasting my time on your stunts. Ok? I’m going to make sure that we’re getting things done here, and we’re going to continue to make this state a great state.”
In 2022, Florida broke its all-time state record for total visitors welcomed in 2022.
In the first quarter of 2023, Florida again broke an all-time record, having the most tourism ever recorded in a single quarter.
