Travel warning issued for Florida as state declared 'hostile to Black Americans'

22 May 2023 , 12:59

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The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) has issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A travel warning has been issued for Florida over fears the state has become “hostile to Black Americans” under its current leadership.

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) has issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida, citing Governor Ron DeSantis' efforts to 'erase Black history and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools.'

This announcement follows a similar travel advisory issued by LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) after DeSantis signed a new immigration law set to take effect in July.

Both organisations argue that actions under the DeSantis administration are hostile to their respective communities.

In a written statement, the NAACP stated that "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of colour, and LGBTQ+ individuals."

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They are urging individuals to understand that the state devalues and marginalizes the contributions and challenges faced by these communities before traveling there.

Republican gubernatorial candidate for Florida and current Governor Ron DeSantis administration blocked a preliminary version of a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies (AFP via Getty Images)

Governor DeSantis has banned the teaching of critical race theory in Florida, which acknowledges systemic racism as a part of American history and challenges prevailing beliefs.

Legislation has been passed to prohibit instruction that suggests anyone is privileged or oppressed based on race or skin colour.

Additionally, the DeSantis administration blocked a preliminary version of a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies, with the Florida Department of Education stating that it lacked educational value.

The NAACP contends that DeSantis' actions are in direct conflict with the democratic ideals upon which the United States was founded.

Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP (Getty Images)

These recent developments have prompted concerns from civil rights organizations, leading to travel advisories that caution against visiting Florida due to the perceived hostile environment for minority communities.

“Let me be clear – failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said.

Mirror Online approached DeSantis representatives for comment and they said in a statement: "As Governor DeSantis announced last week, Florida is seeing record-breaking tourism.

"This is nothing more than a stunt."

The NAACP distributed 10,000 books to 25 predominantly Black communities across Florida in collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers’ Reading Opens the World program, the NAACP said, following a rejection from the DeSantis administration of the AP African American studies course.

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This isn’t the first time the NAACP has issued a travel advisory for a state.

Another was issued in 2017 when NAACP warned people of colour about traveling to Missouri after the state passed Senate Bill 43 – which makes it more difficult for employees to prove their protected class, such as race or gender.

While the governor said the new law puts Missouri’s standards for lawsuits in line with other states, the NAACP said it allows unlawful discrimination.

Lucy Williamson