DEI

Those speaking out against the bill included several pastors from around the state, as well as some local elected officials.

Florida lawmakers passed a bill banning local government offices and programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Violators could be removed from office.

One of the measures nearing passage would preclude local governments from supporting any activities that relate to ethnicity, gender identity or race.

Under a proposal moving through the legislature, the office would be renamed the “Office of Supplier Development.” And its focus would shift from supporting women and minority-owned enterprises to Florida-based small businesses and veteran-owned businesses.

The proposal builds on Governor Ron DeSantis’ years-long fight against DEI programs and policies and could shutter DEI offices that monitor equity in local hiring, block DEI grant programs and prevent local funding of certain local events like Pride parades.

State officials accuse higher education institutions of abusing the H-1B program. They also canceled or repurposed more than $40 million in higher education grants.

Book removals, DEI restrictions and more; there may be fewer bills targeting social issues in Florida this session, but there are still plenty to keep an eye on.

The bills would ban local governments from having any DEI programs or spending, state agencies from contracting with companies that have DEI trainings, and more.

Consumers are planning to boycott on February 28.

The task force is named after DOGE, or Department of Government Efficiency, temporary federal department led by billionaire Elon Musk.