On a Wednesday afternoon, Governor Ron DeSantis drafted a law and stated, “We won’t allow Florida tax dollars to be spent on teaching our kids to hate our country or to hate each other. We also have a responsibility to ensure that parents have the means to vindicate their rights when it comes to enforcing state standards.” Critical race theory is being banned in Florida, Idaho, Arkansas, and Tennessee. 

“I disagree with his decision to restrict the teachings of critical race theory because it gives us a deeper understanding of where all the hate comes from,” said 16 year old Iyana Sarumi. 

Students and parents across the country pay attention to the fact that critical race theory is not being taught in Florida public schools and banned under the state law. They fear that the legislation would sugar coat history. Desantis is pleading that parents and the state of Florida have the right to tell teachers what to teach in the classroom and how to teach it. 

“I think it’s important to teach it because it’s used to deepen our understanding of social economic issues that are within us,” said 17 year old Shaniyah Mellerson. 

As a black student in a Florida public school, I think this bill is very damaging and broad. The WOKE bill caused many problems and isn’t fair to teachers and students. Teachers are not able to teach and are afraid of getting sued; and students aren’t learning the real facts due to this bill. 

“There was no reason for this bill to be created. It’s stopping teachers and other people from explaining how the world works,” said Emilia Mateo.