DeSantis signs bill to ban public Florida colleges from funding DEI programs

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that includes a provision to ban public colleges from shelling out state or federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

"A Florida College System institution, state university, Florida College System institution direct-support organization, or state university direct-support organization may not expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities," which "Advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion or promote or engage in political or social activism," the measure states.

"General education core courses may not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum that teaches identity politics ... or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities," the measure states.

During remarks, DeSantis suggested that DEI would be more appropriately described as meaning "discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination."

DeSantis signs bill to defund Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in public colleges: Remarksyoutu.be

While DeSantis has not announced a White House bid, he is widely expected to mount a 2024 presidential run soon.

The governor's press secretary Bryan Griffin has announced that he is stepping down, and Fox News Digital reported that Griffin is moving to serve as press secretary within DeSantis' political operation.

"I believe that Governor DeSantis is the only leader who can see us to victory at this critical moment in American history. Because of this, I am stepping away from this role to pursue other avenues of helping to deliver the governor's success to our country. If I can be even a small part of the revival and restoration of our great nation, then I am prepared to give it my all," Griffin wrote.

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