NAACP and LULAC Issue Travel Advisories, Citing Concerns of Discrimination in Florida
Title: NAACP and LULAC Issue Travel Advisories, Citing Concerns of Discrimination in Florida
In a recent development, advocacy groups representing Black and Latino Americans have issued travel advisories for the state of Florida. The warnings come amidst the anticipated presidential campaign of Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, who has championed conservative ideals during his tenure. The NAACP’s travel advisory, issued in response to DeSantis’ alleged attempts to erase Black history and impede diversity and inclusion programs in schools, highlights concerns over the treatment of African Americans in the state.
NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson expressed the gravity of the situation, cautioning, “Beware that your life is not valued.” Johnson cited several factors contributing to the advisory, including a new law endorsed by DeSantis that allows gun owners to carry concealed weapons without a permit. Additionally, Johnson expressed concern over educational policies that include a ban on teaching gender identity and sexual orientation through 12th grade.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) also issued a travel advisory for Florida following DeSantis’ signing of an immigration law set to take effect in July. Both organizations assert that the actions taken under the DeSantis administration are detrimental to their communities. The NAACP explicitly characterizes Florida as openly hostile towards African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals, urging individuals to recognize the state’s devaluation and marginalization of their contributions and challenges.
DeSantis’ administration has taken measures such as banning the teaching of critical race theory in schools, which acknowledges the presence of systemic racism in American history and challenges prevailing beliefs. The governor argues that the concept portrays the country negatively and undermines the legitimacy of its institutions. Legislation supported by DeSantis also prohibits instruction that suggests privilege or oppression based on race or skin color. Moreover, a preliminary version of an Advanced Placement course on African American studies was blocked by Florida’s Department of Education, citing a lack of educational value. The NAACP views these actions as contrary to the democratic principles upon which the United States was founded.
Responding to the rejection of the AP African American studies course, the NAACP collaborated with the American Federation of Teachers’ Reading Opens the World program to distribute 10,000 books, including titles banned under Florida’s increasingly restrictive laws, to predominantly Black communities across the state. Furthermore, the NAACP encourages the establishment of community libraries by local branches and youth councils to ensure access to representative literature.
The NAACP also expressed concern over Florida’s new concealed weapon law, which removes the requirement for gun owners to undergo training before carrying a concealed weapon outside their homes. The law will take effect on July 1. NAACP President Derrick Johnson described such policies as unfavorable for business and suggested considering alternative locations for conventions.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time the NAACP has issued a travel advisory for a state. In 2017, a similar warning was issued for Missouri following the passage of Senate Bill 43, which made it more challenging for employees to prove discrimination based on protected characteristics like race or gender. While the governor argued that the law aligned Missouri’s standards with those of other states, the NAACP contended that it sanctioned unlawful discrimination.
Brownstone Worldwide has reached out to Governor DeSantis’ office for comment on these travel advisories and their concerns but has not received a response at the time of publication.
