While Critical Race Theory continues to be banned by a multitude of states, supporters of the ideology have been relatively silent, except state Senator Shevrin Jones (D-35) who has called the states' moves to ban the idea a dangerous attempt to "whitewash."
Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has led the fight against CRT while signing a variety of conservative legislation since the end of the 2021 session in Tallahassee.
While banning transgender youth from female sports and big tech have been key issues the Governor has been waiting to act on, CRT blindsided American politics leading DeSantis to vow to target school board candidates who support the ideology. On the federal stage, U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has led the charge on a bill to officially condemn CRT in Washington D.C.
Progressives have not said much on the issue, as not only prominent Republicans, but parents have found the curriculum largely unpalatable. But progressive Senator Shevrin Jones, however, has clapped back at Florida's decision on the matter today, releasing a statement on the issue:
"Republicans' apparent ban of ‘Critical Race Theory’ is a dangerous attempt to whitewash and rewrite history for the sake of political expediency," adding "This is not a real issue Florida families face in their daily lives, but just the latest dog whistle from the GOP as they map out a 2022 strategy to confuse and distract voters from the issues that really matter: job security and higher wages, affordable housing options, access to quality health care, sufficient funding for public education, protection of our fragile environment, and a more just justice system."
Jones then posed a serious "dare" to his colleagues across the aisle "to name a critical race theorist or cite relevant work taught in Florida public schools," elaborating "I welcome those with an R after their name to join me and others focused on addressing the actual bread-and-butter crises hurting Floridians."
