Florida Department of Education Statement on USDOE Directive to End Racial Preferences in Education

February 17, 2025

FDOE Press Office
850-245-0413
DOEPressOffice@fldoe.org

Florida Department of Education Statement on USDOE Directive to End Racial Preferences in Education 

“The Florida Department of Education and Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. applaud the Trump Administration for taking a stand against racial discrimination and stereotyping in education.

Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida has been a leader in ending policies that discriminate based on race and encourage racial stereotyping amongst students. Through the Stop WOKE Act, signed in 2022, Governor DeSantis ended the teaching of any concept that promotes, advances, or compels individuals to believe discriminatory concepts such as Critical Race Theory. Additionally, this bill expanded instruction of African American History to develop students’ understanding of the ramifications of prejudice and racism.

To further end discrimination in our education system, Governor DeSantis signed Senate Bill 266 in 2023, to prohibit institutions from spending federal or state dollars on discriminatory initiatives such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. SB 266 also prohibited programs, majors, minors, curriculum and general education core courses that violate Florida law regarding prohibited discrimination or that are based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States. The Florida State Board of Education followed that by passing a rule to permanently prohibit DEI programs, activities and policies in the Florida College System (FCS). Florida Colleges also completed a full review of their general education course lists and the State Board approved the courses submitted representing a 57 percent decrease in the number of courses labeled as general education.

Florida leads the nation in education, which has included ending policies of racial preferences and discrimination, and we stand ready to assist any state working to comply with the directive from USDOE.”