Headline RoundupMay 22nd, 2023

NAACP Says Florida is 'Openly Hostile Toward African Americans'

Summary from the AllSides News Team

The NAACP issued a formal travel advisory advising against visiting the state of Florida, declaring the state to be “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”

Details: A press release from the NAACP states the decision “comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools.” The statement claims Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has made Florida “hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon.” According to the statement, the Florida State School Board’s rejection of the AP African American studies curriculum in March was a key decision leading to the advisory. The school board said the curriculum lacked “educational value.”

Key Quotes: NAACP President Derrick Johnson told CNN (Lean Left Bias), “we are advising African Americans and others that if you travel to Florida, beware that your life is not valued, that we have a political landscape that could cause harm as we prepare for the 2024 elections to right-size the political landscape in the state of Florida.” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is black, called the advisory “really stupid” while speaking on Fox News Opinion (Right Bias), adding, “This is silly and it’s dumb. It’s political. It makes no sense.”

How The Media Covered It: The advisory was most prominently covered by outlets on the left and center. Fox News coverage quoted only voices opposing the travel advisory and defending the state.

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