TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — The last few months have seen significant changes in Florida, with Governor Ron DeSantis at the forefront. The state’s politics and cultural landscape have been significantly impacted.
Firstly, there is now a strict regulation of books and classroom discussions. The famous slogan “Don’t say gay” has gained traction, and LGBTQ+ rights are under attack. Teachers, parents, and school librarians are all navigating uncertain ground, with some finding it challenging to balance their beliefs with what is acceptable in the current climate.
Meanwhile, a very public spat has erupted between the state government and Disney, who have been at loggerheads over various issues. The tension has been building for a while now, and it seems unlikely to abate any time soon.
Governor DeSantis has emerged as a rival to former President Donald Trump and is likely to have his sights set on the White House. He is popular among conservatives and has been making waves with his policies.
However, the changes have not been welcomed by everyone. The LGBTQ+ community feels threatened, while some parents and teachers are uncomfortable with the censorship and feel that it stifles open discussion and free speech.
Overall, Florida is at a crossroads, with a cultural shift underway, and political tensions boiling over. How these changes will shape the state’s future remains to be seen.
The average Floridian is facing a host of challenges in their daily lives. Cost of living concerns, including skyrocketing rents and unaffordable property insurance, are major sources of worry. While inflation plays a role, some feel that politicians are not doing enough to address these issues, instead focusing on cultural issues, abortion, and discussions of race.
Gun laws have recently changed as well. Previously, individuals needed a permit and had to undergo training and a background check before carrying a concealed weapon. However, a new law has done away with these requirements, allowing anyone who legally owns a gun to carry it concealed starting from July 1.
Hate-related incidents are also on the rise, as evidenced by the projection of anti-Semitic messages on a local stadium and the appearance of self-proclaimed Nazis at events.
Finally, reproductive rights are taking a hit in Florida, with the state passing a law banning abortion after 15 weeks in April 2022, which was then made stricter by enforcing the ban after only six weeks in the same year, just before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. This has left many individuals concerned about their access to healthcare and their ability to make their own reproductive choices.
r teachers in Florida, recent legislation has created uncertainty and a reluctance to address LGBTQ+ issues in the classroom. The “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which bans discussions of sexuality in schools with students, has left many teachers feeling vulnerable to repercussions if they address certain topics, including LGBTQ+ issues.
While supporters of the legislation argue that it is meant to protect children from sensitive material that parents should have more say in, the vague language of the bill makes it difficult for educators to know what they can and cannot say. As a result, some teachers are reluctant to address questions from students that touch on LGBTQ+ issues, for fear of violating mandates from the state Department of Education.
The legislation has also been troubling for teachers who identify as gay, transgender, or bisexual, some of whom feel they can no longer express themselves or display personal items such as photographs of partners or gay pride emblems. Some argue that it is safer not to address these issues at all, rather than risking violating the mandates imposed by the state. In short, the bill has left teachers feeling constrained and unable to represent themselves fully in the classroom.
Governor DeSantis has become a powerful figure in Florida, having won the state with a larger margin than any Republican has in recent history. He has used this as a mandate to push his agenda and ideology, making him more emboldened and influential within the Republican Party.
Many of the issues he has taken on, such as the “woke” movement, have resonated with the Republican base in Florida and elsewhere. His national name recognition has skyrocketed, thanks in part to a book tour and frequent travel to key primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire.
However, DeSantis’ attacks on Disney have also put him at odds with fellow Republicans like Mike Pence and Nikki Haley, who argue that he is attacking businesses and going against traditional Republican values. DeSantis increasingly finds himself defending his actions and positions, even as he campaigns and builds a national profile in preparation for his expected presidential run.
Overall, DeSantis’ rise has been swift and impactful, but it remains to be seen how successful his national campaign will be and whether his policies will continue to resonate with voters beyond Florida.