A federal judge has permanently blocked part of Florida’s “Stop Woke Act,” which aimed to ban critical race theory training in the workplace and in education. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled that the 2022 law violated the First Amendment by prohibiting race-related training in private workplaces. The law, known as the “Stop Wrongs To Our Kids and Employees Act” or “Stop WOKE Act,” aimed to prevent teachings or business practices that suggest individuals from certain ethnic groups are inherently racist or privileged. It further barred the idea that discrimination is acceptable to achieve diversity.
The ruling, which granted a permanent injunction against the workplace portion of the law, cited eight race-related concepts that could be seen as discriminatory based on race, color, sex, or national origin. The law’s focus on education was unaffected by the ruling. Governor Ron DeSantis has been a strong supporter of the “Stop Woke Act,” often referring to Florida as a place where “woke goes to die.” However, the judge’s decision underscores the importance of upholding the First Amendment and preventing elected officials from manipulating its protections to serve their own interests.
This is not the first time that portions of the “Stop Woke Act” have been challenged in court. Walker had previously issued a preliminary injunction in 2022 against the workplace portion of the law, which was upheld by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in March. Additionally, Walker has issued a preliminary injunction against the part of the law that restricts how race-related concepts can be taught in Florida’s colleges and universities. An appeals court panel held a hearing on this case last month, indicating ongoing legal challenges to the controversial law.
The ruling represents a victory for free speech advocates and a blow to the efforts of DeSantis and other Republican lawmakers to ban critical race theory training in the state. The law sought to prevent the promotion of certain ideas related to race and privilege in workplaces and educational institutions. Critics argue that such legislation stifles academic freedom and limits the free exchange of ideas, while supporters maintain that it is necessary to combat what they view as divisive teachings in schools and workplaces.
In a statement from counsel Shalini Goel Agarwal of Protect Democracy, which represented the plaintiffs in the case, the decision was described as a “powerful reminder that the First Amendment cannot be warped to serve the interests of elected officials.” The ongoing legal battles surrounding the “Stop Woke Act” highlight the contentious nature of debates over race, privilege, and diversity in American society. The ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding constitutional protections for free speech and preventing government overreach in regulating speech and expression.
