Florida Bill Banning DEI Initiatives Would Give Gov. Ron DeSantis Power to Remove Local Officials

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has long disapproved of DEI efforts, is expected to sign a bill into law that will prohibit local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

According to the Florida Phoenix, the Florida House approved the legislation this week in a 77-37 vote, with five Republicans joining all of the Democrats in opposing the measure. It will next go to DeSantis’ desk.

The bill says the governor, 47, can remove locally elected officials from office if they violate the DEI ban. The Florida Phoenix reported that local residents can also take legal action.

Some people worry that the bill would affect things like a LGBTQ+ Pride parade. However, Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez said that is not the case.

“That doesn’t inhibit the ability for local governments to be able to have a gay pride festival if that is what they choose to do,” he said, as seen on WCTV.

However, he added, “Do we want taxpayer dollars to be used to put on certain events that have to do with DEI and promote it by local governments? No, we don’t want taxpayer dollars used for that.”

In support of the bill, Rep. Dean Black said, per Florida Phoenix, that “millions and millions of taxpayer dollars been wasted in the name of DEI,” adding: “This philosophy has fostered resentment instead of good will; mediocrity instead of merit; and it has divided our society against itself.”

DeSantis has been clear on his stance, saying that he believes DEI stands for “Discrimination, Exclusion and Indoctrination.”

“That has no place in American society,” he previously said in an interview he posted on his Facebook. “And it certainly doesn’t have a place in our publicly funded universities.”

“Once again, Governor DeSantis and Florida lawmakers are advancing one of the most sweeping and extreme bills in the country — this time threatening decades of local progress supporting diverse communities, including the LGBTQ community,” Joe Saunders, senior political director for the state LGBTQ rights group Equality Florida, said in a statement after the bill passed the Senate, via People.

“This legislation is a sledgehammer aimed at cities and counties that dare to recognize and address the diversity of the people they serve,” he added. “A commitment to equity and inclusion makes us better.”