“Banning Books” and “Dumbing Down Education”: Heritage Foundation Hails Florida as Freest State for Education Combatting Wokeness

Gabriel RomanNov 12, 2023

Minute Read

In a recent turn of events, Florida has been declared the freest state for education by the Heritage Foundation. This accolade has stirred a mix of reactions, with some praising the state’s approach and others voicing strong objections. Let’s look into the various reasons for this development and see both sides of the debate.

Heritage Foundation’s Top Ranking for Florida

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The Heritage Foundation recently released a report. They have positioned Florida at the forefront of education freedom in the United States. This ranking was determined based on metrics like education choice and transparency. The Foundation praised Florida for its initiatives in these areas.

Dr. Kevin Roberts’ Perspective

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Dr. Kevin Roberts of the Heritage Foundation shared his views with Fox News Digital. He described the expansion of school choice as a positive outcome of challenges faced by the American educational system in recent times. These challenges include COVID-19 disruptions and concerns over curriculum content.

The Criteria for Ranking

Florida’s top rank was based on four critical categories – education choice, teacher freedom, transparency, and return on investment. The state’s performance in these areas earned it the top spot in the Heritage report. It did particularly well in terms of expanding education freedom and promoting parents’ rights,

Florida’s Stand on Academic Transparency

The state’s commitment to academic transparency was highlighted in the report. In 2022, Florida officials took a firm stance against Critical Race Theory. This new policy prohibited students from being influenced by what the state considers prejudiced ideas. However, some people support Critical Race Theory.

DeSantis Administration’s Educational Reforms

Governor DeSantis and his administration have focused on removing what they term ‘wokeness’ from state schools. This includes a Parents’ Bill of Rights. This Bill aims to regulate classroom discussions on topics like gender identity and sexual orientation, along with monitoring educational materials for inappropriate content.

Battle Against Critical Race Theory

A significant aspect of Florida’s educational reforms under Governor DeSantis has been opposing critical race theory in classrooms. The state’s administration worked to align the AP African American History course with Florida’s educational standards. To do this, they omitted certain content.

Iowa and Arkansas Making Strides

The report also acknowledged Iowa and Arkansas for their advancements in education freedom. Iowa’s introduction of education savings accounts and a parent bill of rights were particularly noted. The Heritage Foundation also commented on Arkansas’ comprehensive education reform package.

The Low-Ranked States

In contrast to Florida, states such as Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Oregon were ranked low by the Heritage Foundation. These states were criticized for their lack of transparency and limited choices available to families in the realm of education. The Heritage Foundation identified many improvements they believe these States need to make.

Accusations of Book Banning and Educational Narrowing

Critics have been vocal about what they see as Florida’s approach to education under Governor DeSantis. They have accused him of “banning books, dumbing down education, and making sure only the Right voice is heard.” Concerns extend to the higher education sector, with fears that such policies could lead to colleges losing accreditation.

Governor DeSantis’ Personal Style and Debate Antics

Governor DeSantis’ personal style, particularly his choice of footwear, has unexpectedly entered the public conversation. Remarks like “I wonder if he is going to sport his high-heeled cowboy boots tonight at the debate?” reflect a critique that goes beyond his fashion sense to his political demeanor. Some people believe his personal style might mirror his political posturing.

Questions Over the Report’s Independence

The integrity of the Heritage Foundation’s report praising Florida’s education freedom has been met with skepticism. Critics suggest the report might be compromised, with remarks like it coming “straight from the Governor’s office.” This skepticism stems from concerns over the lack of objectivity in such reports, especially when they are used in highly charged political debates.

Allegations of Misrepresentation and Exodus from Florida

There is a growing narrative that the positive portrayal of Florida under Governor DeSantis clashes with on-the-ground realities. Statements like “It’s all lies. People are moving out of Florida” capture this sentiment. Critics argue that governance issues are prompting a demographic shift, with residents choosing to leave due to their unhappiness.

Financial Concerns and Education Policy Critiques

DeSantis has also been criticized for what some see as fiscal irresponsibility. Some users have claimed he’s “costing the taxpayers money on all the laws he passed knowing they were illegal.” Furthermore, there’s a belief that Florida’s education system, under his leadership, encourages divisive narratives and distorts historical facts.

Debating the Use of “Wokeness”

The term ‘wokeness’ has become a controversial issue. Critics argue it is a derogatory term, “a right-wing term applied to people who know better than to listen to their nonsense.” This debate highlights a deeper cultural and political divide. The term has become a key part of social justice and educational content discussions.

Confusion Over the Definition of “Wokeness”

The lack of a clear definition for ‘wokeness,’ used by Florida’s leadership, has drawn criticism. Critics argue that this vagueness leads to policies based on ambiguous criteria. One user said, “None of them can explain what wokeness is and how it fits into teaching.” This confusion is seen as an example of broader issues in the state’s political rhetoric and policy-making.

Florida’s Ranking and Social Injustice Awareness

The Heritage Foundation’s praise of Florida has been criticized for ignoring crucial factors such as the state’s awareness and response to social injustice and discrimination. Critics point out the irony in congratulating “the worst state at being alert to and concerned about social injustice and discrimination.” This suggests a disconnect between the ranking and the reality of social issues.

Challenges to the Ban on Teaching Black History

The ban on teaching certain aspects of black history in Florida schools under Governor DeSantis has been met with resistance. This resistance has notably come from black churches. These institutions have taken it upon themselves to educate their communities, as highlighted by statements like “Black churches are teaching it anyway.”

Public Perception of Governor DeSantis and Education

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Governor DeSantis’ approach to education has increasingly been seen as being more aligned with his political ambitions than the needs of Floridians. Critics accuse him of treating the state like “his own personal toy,” prioritizing his political agenda over effective governance. Clearly, there are concerns about the mixing of politics and education policy in Florida.