Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for a new civics curriculum that would prevent critical race theory from being taught in the classroom.
Critical race theory is a broad set of ideas about systemic bias and privilege in America. In addition to opposition from Gov. DeSantis, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran recently spoke out against it while attending an event at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
Meanwhile, educators warn that these changes could make teachers cautious in what and how they teach, confining lessons to a limited view of American history and current events.
Emily Bloch, an education reporter at The Florida Times Union, joined us to discuss the issue.
Florida’s Economy
Unemployment benefits will soon be smaller in Florida, due to the state dropping out of a federal program that increased unemployment checks by $300. Raphael Bostic, the President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, spoke to us about that and many other economic issues impacting the Sunshine State.
Social Media And Free Speech
Gov. DeSantis recently signed a bill that will prevent social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook from suspending politicians. The bill comes after these platforms removed former President Donald Trump following the January 6 Capitol insurrection. The law promises fines to social media platforms who “de-platform” politicians and political candidates.
Several groups are already challenging the legislation, saying that it goes against the First Amendment rights of private businesses.
Clay Calvert, a UF Law professor and Director of the Marion B. Brechner 1st Amendment Project; and Matt Schruers, President of the Computers and Communications Industry Association, joined us to discuss what might happen next.
Photoused under Creative Commons license.
Mackenzie Guiry can be reached at newsteam@wjct.org
