Education

Covering Florida’s education sector. The Floridian is a statewide and national political media platform that covers government affairs, elections, public policy, and campaigns on Florida politics.
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Top Republican Lawmaker Sen. Jay Collins has proposed a slew of hard-hitting bills this session, covering issues ranging from foster homes to communism to veterans. In an exclusive interview with the Floridian, he outlined his wide-ranging agenda for 2024's legislative season. "I am unequivocally pro-life," Collins, who is adopted, said of his child permanency […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A bill banning corporal punishment for students with disabilities passed the House Education Quality Subcommittee unanimously, surprising residents and representatives alike in that corporal punishment still exists within some public schools. "While most counties have banned the practice, corporal punishment is still allowed in 19 counties in Florida," HB 439's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Katherine […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Keiser University kicked off its "Keiser Days at the Capitol" with a Wednesday morning press conference. Joined by Republican Rep. Randy Fine, the college's leaders discussed higher education, nursing shortages, and athletic success. "My message is simply that we live in a great state," Belinda Keiser, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said, "If […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Florida's State Board of Education announced last week their imposition of "strict regulations" on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives on college campuses, leading the James Madison Institute, a libertarian non-profit think tank, to laud the state's efforts. The board's ruling will prohibit taxpayer funds going toward DEI programs and replaces the "Principles of Sociology" […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A new education bill would prohibit teachers' prep classes from including a curriculum on the existence of systemic racism, sexism, or oppression in Florida institutions. The bill would also prevent "identity politics" and any "distortion of historical events". "I am looking for the best environment for our students so they can be as successful […]
TALLAHASSEE, FL—As Lawmakers enter the third week of the Legislative Session, with it comes a slew of hard-hitting bills, sure to ignite debate in both chambers. This week's agenda covers sex reassignment insurance coverage, the banning of identity politics in teacher preparation courses, drunk driving, and much more. Licenses and Drunk Driving Monday will see […]
After a stellar performance in the Iowa Caucus, former President Donald Trump (R) has won the endorsement of US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). President Trump was declared the winner within the first hour of vote counting in the Iowa Caucus. Winning 98 counties and carrying 51% of the vote helped the president best Governor Ron DeSantis […]
The US military has suffered a recruiting crisis as many claim the institution is becoming politicized. Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) engaged in a lengthy questioning of the former head of West Point's history department, Brigadier Gen. Ty Seidule (Ret.), on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives being introduced into West Point's curriculum, to which Seidule […]
Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) has announced that Hillsborough County Public Schools are receiving a $7.9 million grant for 20 new electric buses awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EPA has instituted its Clean School Bus Program which has granted almost $1 billion in funds toward environmentally cleaner forms […]
In the wake of an abrupt and devastating winter storm, Governor DeSantis (R-FL) declared a state of emergency in 49 Florida counties after the weather barreled through the middle of the state. What is being called, "The Winter Storm" put many parts of the country on high alert. Tornado warnings were in effect on Tuesday […]
Republicans in both chambers of the Florida Legislature introduced the Kamala Harris Truth in Slavery Teaching Act, bringing some controversy alongside it. State Senator Shevrin Jones (D-FL) provided a statement, calling the bill an “aimless, desperate trolling of Vice President Harris.” The legislation, introduced by State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-FL) and State Representative Kiyan Michael […]
State Rep. Chuck Clemons (R-FL) has made a key endorsement of Levy County Commissioner Chad Johnson (R-FL) who is running to succeed Clemons in the upcoming election in House District 22. Clemons has been term-limited this election cycle, reaching the maximum time allotted to a representative in the Florida House. Clemons has been serving since […]
Florida Gov Ron DeSantis has overhauled the process of how parents and schools interact in the state since he first took office. Now more and more Floridians are running for elective office and towing the historic and somewhat controversial Parental Right in Education law that the Governor signed in 2022. Megan Weinberger, who runs an […]
In response to the growing concerns made by parents surrounding the government’s influence on their children’s education, Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) has introduced the Fostering Resource Efficiency in Education by Zero Employment (FREEZE) Act. This bill would enforce a hiring freeze at the U.S. Department of Education (DoE). As Chairman of the Early Childhood, Secondary, […]
Fort Pierce— Florida’s 2023-2024 Fiscal Year “Framework For Freedom” Budget was signed into law Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday morning. The historic $115 Billion package includes scores of funding, tax relief, and salary increase records across all sectors of the economy. A historic $20 billion surplus in Florida’s reserves was tapped to finance initiatives aimed […]
During a press conference at the True North Classical Academy in Miami, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a series of laws meant to "support and empower Florida’s teachers, reign in out-of-control unions and school boards, get TikTok out of schools, and protect the integrity of the classroom." These reforms include a Teachers Bill of Rights which […]
While TikTok is the most visible means by which China seeks to subvert the United States, others are more subtle. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has reintroduced a bill preventing federal funds from going to colleges and universities with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Ties can be in the form of backing from Chinese […]
The Broward School Board is set to consider a resolution "in support of African-American history instruction in Broward County Public Schools". The resolution is being brought forth by former Chair Torey Alston, who was appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. Alston appeared with DeSantis at a press conference on March 8 […]
