Brief Snapshot: Unmasking the Divisive Tactics of Ron DeSantis in Florida
Brief Snapshot: Unmasking the Divisive Tactics of Ron DeSantis in Florida
by Christy Chilton
June 30 2023
Introduction
In the state of Florida, where countless children are impacted by poverty, lack of education, and underfunding of teachers, the future of our society hangs in the balance. Unfortunately, the current governor, Ron DeSantis, seems more interested in furthering his own political agenda than addressing these pressing issues. This article aims to shed light on the alarming state of Florida's children and expose the divisive tactics employed by DeSantis.
The Dire State of Florida's Children
Child Poverty in Florida
According to a report by Florida KIDS COUNT, over half of Florida's children live in low-income or poverty households, which puts them at a higher risk of abuse, neglect, and behavioral and developmental issues. Florida ranks 35th among states in terms of child poverty, with nearly 17% of children living below the federal poverty line. This means that over 2.4 million children in Florida struggle to afford basic necessities such as housing, education, and healthcare[^1^]. These staggering statistics paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by Florida's children.
Education Crisis in the Sunshine State
The educational system in Florida is in dire straits. According to a 2023 report by the Educational Opportunity Project at Stanford University, Florida ranks as the worst state in the nation for student learning. Children in Florida are learning 12% less each year from third grade through eighth grade compared to their peers in other states[^1^]. This alarming decline in educational performance is a cause for great concern.
More over, the retention of information among Florida students is abysmal. While students may achieve passing or acceptable grades in fourth grade, their performance plummets as they progress through the education system[^1^]. National assessments reveal a dramatic regression in test scores, with Florida ranking poorly in eighth grade math and reading[^1^].
Underfunding of Teachers
Despite promises to increase teacher salaries, DeSantis has failed to deliver on this crucial issue. Florida currently ranks 48th out of 50 states in terms of overall teacher salaries, leaving educators struggling to make ends meet[^1^]. The average teacher salary in Florida falls significantly below the national average, making it difficult to attract and retain qualified educators[^1^]. This underfunding not only undermines the quality of education but also hinders the wellbeing of teachers.
DeSantis' Divisive Tactics
Exploiting LGBTQ+ Issues for Political Gain
One of the most concerning aspects of DeSantis' tenure is his willingness to exploit LGBTQ+ issues for political gain. His signing of House Bill 1557, also known as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, reflects a misplaced focus on suppressing discussion of sexual orientation in schools[^2^]. It is important to note that there is no evidence of teachers in Florida going off the academic curriculum to discuss gender or sexual orientation[^2^]. This legislation serves only to perpetuate negative stereotypes and further marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals.
Opposition to Critical Race Theory
DeSantis has also taken a strong stance against critical race theory (CRT) in schools. While he specifically highlighted the inclusion of black queer theory within CRT, it is crucial to understand that this is just one aspect of a broader curriculum. The Florida Department of Education identified multiple concerns with CRT, including issues related to social injustices against African Americans and the reparations movement[^2^]. However, DeSantis conveniently chose to focus solely on black queer theory, potentially to stoke fear and appeal to certain conservative demographics.
Neglecting the Real Issues
Despite the pressing challenges faced by Florida's children, DeSantis seems more interested in divisive measures than addressing their needs. The governor's misguided priorities are evident in his choice of photo opportunities and symbolic actions. For instance, he signed HB 1557 at a private charter school with a predominantly affluent, non-minority student population, while neglecting the majority of children living in poverty[^2^]. This demonstrates an alarming lack of empathy and a disregard for the true struggles faced by Florida's children.
Dehumanizing Immigrants
Another concerning incident under DeSantis' leadership was his dehumanization of immigrants. He sent immigrants, who were unfamiliar with the country and did not speak the language, to Martha's Vineyard, using them as pawns to make a political point[^2^]. This callous act displayed a lack of compassion and empathy for vulnerable individuals seeking a better life. Using taxpayer dollars to fund such actions is both irresponsible and deeply troubling.
Conclusion
Ron DeSantis' tenure as governor of Florida has been marked by divisive tactics and a failure to address the pressing issues facing the state's children. Rather than focusing on alleviating poverty, improving education, and supporting teachers, DeSantis has chosen to exploit LGBTQ+ issues, oppose critical race theory, and prioritize his own political agenda. It is imperative that we unmask these tactics and demand better for the children of Florida. Only through a commitment to genuine progress and inclusivity can we ensure a brighter future for all.
