NAACP Travel Advisories: What you Need to Know
In light of todays travel advisory issued by the NAACP that warns African Americans against traveling to Florida, it seemed appropriate to look at Florida in depth to see what is going on. After all, the NAACP didn’t shy away from using strong language, making significant accusations against Florida and against Governor Ron DeSantis personally! According to the NAACP:
"Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."
After reading through the claims leveled at the state, I quickly researched the relevant bills to confirm their veracity. To my surprise, not only was the NAACP off the mark with some of its rhetoric, but zero claims made by the group were anywhere close to being accurate. This was an infuriating discovery, as issuing something like this based on lies is incredibly irresponsible. Most of all to the very groups the NAACP claims to be protecting. Before moving forward, it is worth noting that not a single discriminatory bill has been passed in Florida. Zero.
After fighting with this in my head for a bit, I felt that I had to at least do my part in spreading awareness of this smear campaign. Below are a series of falsehoods being leveled against Florida (and the GOP), followed up by the truth of the matter. I think I will continue to update this article as needed so it will act as a kind of ‘one stop’ resource for facts regarding these issues. (Click here for a handy ‘Facts vs. Myths’ graphic)
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Falsehood: Republicans are passing discriminatory anti-trans laws that infringe on Trans individuals rights and seek to do the harm.
Truth: The ‘Empower Parents to Protect Their Kids Act’ prevents K-12 schools from performing “gender transitions” on children behind their parents’ backs. Nothing more.
Falsehood: Governor Ron DeSantis is making ‘aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.’ (NAACP)
Truth: Under Governor DeSantis, instruction on African American History has actually expanded. The Governor endorsed a bill requiring Florida’s students to learn about the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots, slavery, the Civil War, and Jim Crow laws.
The bill also requires the following to be taught in Florida schools:
The history of African peoples before the political conflicts that led to the development of slavery
The passage to America
The enslavement experience
Abolition
The history and contributions of Americans of the African diaspora to society
“HB 7, signed in 2022, further expanded instruction of African American History to develop students’ understanding of the ramifications of prejudice and racism.”
Falsehood: It is illegal to mention ‘gay’ in Florida schools. The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill also aims to ‘erase the gay community and their families’.
Truth: Governor DeSantis passed the 'Parental Rights in Education' bill, which prohibits teaching on sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through 8th grade. The law never mentions ‘gay’ and is only applicable to teachers, not students. The law does not forbid students from ‘saying gay’ nor does it forbid them from discussing their gender, identity, ethnicity etc.. which includes LGBTQ+ talk. Furthermore, it is only pertinent to the classroom. Not the entire school at large (lunch, in between classes etc..).
Falsehood: Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. (NAACP)
Truth: Florida has not passed any discriminatory or hostile laws against marginalized communities. This includes African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. This claim in particular by the NAACP seems disingenuous at best. (How do you mistakenly believe a bill like this has been passed?)
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Falsehood: Florida is indiscriminately banning books in an attempt to keep students from learning about important educational and historical topics.
Truth: Florida prohibits pornographic and inappropriate materials in classrooms and libraries that sexualize students or violate Florida state education standards. No books or materials essential to educational purposes are at risk nor have they been removed/banned. (Click here to see images from ‘Gender Queer’, one of the shocking books found in schools by parents)
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Falsehood: Florida has passed hateful and discriminatory laws against Trans individuals and is attempting to ‘erase them from existence’.
Truth: Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Let Kids Be Kids” bill that protects Florida children from medical mutilation, gender ideology in schools, sexually explicit adult performances, and in private spaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms. There are no bills that discriminate against, or infringe on the fundamental rights of anyone, including trans individuals.
That’s it for now. Bookmark this page to keep it handy for future updates. Also, I would be sincerely appreciative if you would consider showing your support and subscribing to this Substack below. Thank you!