NAACP Issues 'Travel Warning' for Florida, Claims State 'Openly Hostile' to African Americans

AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has become the latest far-left organization to issue a “travel warning” for Florida, claiming that the state and its Governor Ron DeSantis are “openly hostile to African Americans.”

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In a press release this weekend, the organization declared the travel warning was a “direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools” after he banned the teaching of critical race theory in public schools.

“Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the release reads. “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.”

NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson went on to claim that the warning was part of a wider battle for the “soul” of America:

Let me be clear – failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all.

Under the leadership of Governor Desantis [sic], the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.

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The chair of the NAACP’s Board of Directors, Leon Russell, also weighed in against DeSantis, who won re-election in November by a staggering 20-point margin:

Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority.

We will not not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy.

The warning then goes on to provide a list of “risks” faced by colored people visiting the tourist-friendly state:

Please be advised that Florida public schools will not teach your children accurate African-American history, which includes a history of enslavement, segregation, racial injustice and systemic racism.

Please be advised that the State of Florida does not value diversity, equity, and inclusion in Floridas schools, colleges and universities.

Please be advised that the State of Florida does not welcome the contributions of African Americans and people of color.

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Those who do dare to visit the state are also encouraged to try and challenge the increasingly conservative political environment:

If you do decide to go to the State of Florida, please be aware of the open hostility towards African Americans and people of color.

If you do decide to go to the State of Florida, please advocate for legislation that supports diversity in all aspects of education.

If you do decide to go to the State of Florida, please advocate for the right to peacefully assemble and protest any unjust laws or actions by the State.

If you do decide to go to the State of Florida, please advocate for the protection of African-American’s right to vote.

We urge all, including those who travel to the State of Florida,to join the NAACP in our fight against the unjust attack on civil liberties, principles of diversity and inclusion, the right to vote and the right to assemble in peaceful protest.

The NAACP, which over recent years has morphed into a mere front organization for the Democratic Party, is not the only progressive advocacy group to warn about the dire risks of traveling to the Sunshine State.

Last week, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), issued a similar warning to illegal immigrants and their families about the potential dangers of visiting or settling in the state as a result of legislation recently signed by DeSantis aimed at curbing the wave of illegal immigration.

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“If you bring your tía (aunt) to Disney World… to Miami or Universal Studios, they are going to charge you with a felony for bringing your undocumented friend or relative to Florida,” said the group’s president, Domingo Garcia. “Florida is a dangerous, hostile environment for law-abiding Americans and immigrants.”

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