(RepublicanNews.org) – Florida’s Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has turned out to be a real mover and shaker. He’s drawn nationwide attention for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his battle against the federal government over cruise industry restrictions. He recently edged out former President Donald Trump in a recent straw poll regarding the 2024 presidential election.
On Tuesday, June 22, DeSantis signed a bill into law requiring public universities and colleges to conduct annual surveys regarding faculty and staff beliefs as part of an assessment process to determine the “viewpoint diversity” at Florida higher learning institutions.
Under House Bill 233, the surveys would assess the level of individuals’ intellectual freedom and diversity of perspectives to help determine the extent to which competing beliefs are expressed. It will also consider whether faculty and students feel free to express their perspectives and beliefs in college and university classrooms and other campus facilities.
BREAKING: @GovRonDeSantis just passed HB 233, which will require public colleges and universities in Florida to take an annual assessment on intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity on campus.
This is a HUGE win for college students in Florida! ⬇️https://t.co/JpKnbGZEkx
— Ophelie Jacobson (@opheliejacobson) June 22, 2021
The bill doesn’t specify how the schools might use the data. However, DeSantis said their funding might be impacted if there’s reason to believe educators were “indoctrinating” students.
DeSantis also pointed out that Florida “obviously” wants its colleges and universities to focus on “critical thinking [and] academic rigor.” However, it’s not desirable for them to turn into “hotbeds for stale ideology.”
The measure goes into effect on July 1, accompanied by a bill that expands civics classes for K-to-12 students.
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