NAACP issues Florida travel warning in response to DeSantis' policies on black history, diversity

The NAACP Board of Directors issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida in what the civil rights organization says is in "direct response" to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' policies on black history and diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state schools.

"Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color," the travel advisory, issued Saturday, states. 

The advisory also states that Florida "does not welcome the contributions of African Americans and people of color" and urges people who travel to Florida to "advocate" for diversity in education and the right to vote and peacefully protest. 

"Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon," NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson said.

Under DeSantis, Florida has implemented laws against diversity, equity and inclusion ideology in schools while strengthening parental rights in classrooms.. The state also rejected the College Board AP  African American Studies course from the state's curriculum earlier this year over allegations that it taught Critical Race Theory and violated state law. Last week, Florida banned gender-related treatments for minors.

Madeleine Hubbard is an international correspondent for Just the News. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram.