WUFT News News and Public Media for North Central Florida from the University of Florida in Gainesville
House Bill 773 is approaching Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk, and if he signs it, it will be up to Hernando County voters to decide whether the superintendent will be an appointed position by the school board or elected by voters in a partisan election. Controversy over current Superintendent John Stratton …
Read More »NAACP issues travel advisory for Florida: “open hostility” toward African Americans
The NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida Saturday, citing recent legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The civil rights organization describes recent legislation as a “relentless and systemic attack on democracy and civil rights” against African Americans, LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color. “We will not allow our rights …
Read More »The Point, March 9, 2023: Man alleges abuse in Alachua County Jail
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Earleton man alleges abuse at the Alachua County Jail. “More than a year after his arrest on Dec. 2, 2021, Juan Sterk said his experiences at the Alachua County Jail …
Read More »Students organize protests against Florida governor’s proposed changes to education diversity programs
College students across Florida are organizing a protest campaign against a new proposal backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that would remove degree programs that teach critical race theory and gender studies. “Students are rallying to reject House Bill 999,” said Bryan Gonzalez, a fourth-year political science student at Florida State …
Read More »UF’s David Canton reflects on his career in African American Studies
Education in Florida is changing. Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent policies to change K-12 education have restricted educators from teaching African American Studies and resulted in strict statewide book bans — punishable by felony charge. As he looks to the collegiate scale, DeSantis pushes for further restriction, including proposals to ban …
Read More »Florida’s 2023 Legislative Session begins with lawmakers emphasizing on education changes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – After Gov. Ron DeSantis’ State of the State Address on the first day of the 2023 Florida Legislative Session on Tuesday, multiple proposals will be brought forth within the next couple of months. From bills dealing with issues on immigration to abortion, the one thing lawmakers agree …
Read More »The Point, March 8, 2023: DeSantis gives State of the State speech
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Ryan Chamberlin secures bid to general election for Florida House District 24 seat in crowded primary election. “Republican candidate Ryan Chamberlin won the primary election for the Florida House District …
Read More »Florida rejects AP African American Studies course
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Monday that the state has rejected an Advanced Placement African American Studies course. The College Board proposal to the state would have brought a college level course on African American Studies into high schools. The decision to keep the Advanced Placement course out of Florida …
Read More »DeSantis asks universities for transgender care information
TALLAHASSEE — Continuing to target treatment for transgender people, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is requiring state universities to provide information from the past five years about services they have provided to people with gender dysphoria, according to documents released Wednesday. Chris Spencer, director of the governor’s Office of Planning and …
Read More »The Point, Jan. 19, 2023: UF reports less than 1% of budget spent on diversity initiatives
Subscribe to The Point, arriving in your inbox Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. The stories near you • WUFT News: Gainesville’s equity director gives update on the city’s efforts. “Folston described demand for immediate community-wide equity, but said it’s a long game and the first step is addressing the issue …
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