NAACP calls for boycott of Florida, citing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to erase Black history and curtail DEI programs

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and increases in teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference to sign several bills related to public education and increases in teacher pay, in Miami, Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
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In a move steeped in historical context, the NAACP has called for a boycott of Florida, citing Governor Ron DeSantis’ efforts to erase Black history and curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools. The organization’s travel advisory warns visitors about the state’s devaluation of African-Americans and other communities of color.

DeSantis has signed legislation restricting discussions on race in workplaces and schools, blocked an African American studies course, and prohibited spending on diversity and inclusion programs.

The mayor of Tampa, Jane Castor, attempted to reassure visitors of the city’s commitment to diversity in a tweet on Sunday, saying “anyone and everyone” is welcome.

The boycott by the NAACP is not the first time they’ve taken a stand through travel advisories and boycotts. In 1999, they called for a boycott of South Carolina due to the state’s display of the Confederate flag on state capitol grounds. In 2017, the organization issued a travel advisory for Missouri following the passage of a law that was deemed to enable legal discrimination by the state chapter.


Click play to listen to the report from AURN White House Correspondent Ebony McMorris. For more news, follow @E_N_McMorris & @aurnonline.

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