Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Eliminating DEI Programs In Local Governments And Establishing Penalties For Violations – AfroTech

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that will impact diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in the state.

According to a news release, DeSantis signed two pieces of legislation on Wednesday, April 22. One specifically targets DEI efforts. SB 1134 is a bill that bars counties and municipalities from funding, promoting, or establishing DEI initiatives. More specifically, it will no longer allow local governments to create or uphold DEI offices, officers, or programs, and taxpayer funds cannot go toward DEI-related initiatives or third-party contractors that promote DEI, DeSantis said. SB 1134 also does not allow grant recipients to use public funds for DEI efforts. Those in violation will face penalties.

HB 1217 is the second bill he signed. This legislation prevents state and local governments from creating net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policies, such as carbon taxes, per the press release.

“Floridians should not be forced to pay for radical climate agendas or identity politics with their hard-earned tax dollars,” he said.

SB 1134 mirrors the state’s move to advance “individual freedom, fiscal responsibility, and economic opportunity,” the press release noted.

“The bill is necessary because cities and counties have been funding and promoting divisive activities under the guise of DEI,” said Senator Clay Yarborough in the news release. “Decisions related to individuals and actions should be based on merit and, if they are not, those making the decisions need to be replaced. At a time when many Floridians are struggling to afford groceries and gas, millions of taxpayer dollars should not continue to be wasted by local governments on DEI initiatives, even more so because they are failing to do what they claim.”

Representative Dean Black commented:

“We’re finding our way back to the everyman principles that make America great. The Governor’s signature positions this law as a guiding light for equal and fair opportunity in our state. No matter where you come from, no matter what you look like, the message should be clear: Florida recognizes your work ethic and the content of your character, and that’s what matters.”