“We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” DEI, or CRT in Florida: Anti-“WOKE” and Anti-DEI Legislation in K-12 and Higher Education

In Florida and a growing number of Republican-led states, vitriolic movements have targeted diversity, equity, inclusion, and any semblance of so-called woke ideology. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, programs, and initiatives have been shuttered. Books and DEI-related terminology have been banned or narrowly restricted. This commentary was originally motivated by my conversations with colleagues across the country. My own reckoning now compels it. Given my long-standing teacher education career premised on social justice principles, the attacks, replete with vague and confusing anti-DEI legislative mandates, are disquieting. Since the term “woke” is neither new nor original, it is important to understand its origin and how it has been culturally appropriated and co-opted to further DEI attacks. Florida's House Bill 7 and Senate Bill 266 restrict classroom instruction, diversity-related workshop trainings, and professional development. Scholars have observed the ambiguity and lack of clarity inherent in legislation that opposes or bans DEI. The state of Florida requires the teaching of African American history, as codified in Florida Statute 1003.42 (2) (h). However, the Stop Woke Act restricts how African American history is taught. Subsequently, confusion and ambiguity about what is prohibited can impede the required teaching of African American history. Eroding academic freedom and freedom of speech is a frequently cited concern. Consequently, faculty and students have expressed anxiety and fear because of heavy-handed threats and sanctions that chill their teaching and research. Limited institutional support and clarity on the laws are equally unsettling. A call to action compels us to have open, productive conversations, critiques, and healthy debates within the bounds of the law in Florida and nationwide. We will then be able to have civil discourses about Bruno, DEI, CRT, and so-called woke ideology in Florida and nationally.