Federal appeals court blocks enforcement of Florida ‘Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act’

A ban on enforcing the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act,” a controversial law in Florida that GOP Governor Ron DeSantis praises as fighting “indoctrination,” has been upheld by a three-judge panel.

The “Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act” aims to prevent teachers from expressing their opinions on “pernicious ideologies” that could make students feel they are personally responsible for historical discrimination relating to their race.

However, critics argue that the legislation seeks to curtail meaningful discussions on systemic discrimination, critical race theory, and privilege.

Black professors and a student as well as a student and professor sued the state, claiming the law violates their First Amendment free speech protections.

U.S. District Judge Mark Eaton Walker blocked enforcement of the law last November, ruling that it demands public university professors to act as “the State’s mouthpieces” in the classroom.

The federal docket does not indicate a future hearing date.