Recently, the NAACP issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida, alleging that the state is openly hostile towards African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The advisory criticizes Gov. Ron DeSantis for his supposed attempts to erase black history and restrict diversity programs in schools. However, a closer examination reveals that the NAACP’s claims may not accurately reflect the reality on the ground.

In the statement, NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson criticizes Gov. DeSantis for failing to teach an accurate representation of the injustices and inequalities faced by Black Americans, calling it a disservice to students and a betrayal of democratic ideals.

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, 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.

During an interview on CNN’s “This Morning,” Johnson faced a challenge when CNN’s Sara Sidner pointed out the positive statistics regarding black-owned, Hispanic-owned, and women-owned businesses in Florida, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce. Sidner highlighted that these numbers indicate the success and opportunities available for African-Americans and Hispanics in the state.

Johnson became flustered and did not have much of an answer. Instead, he responded dismissively, suggesting that these facts were unrelated to Gov. DeSantis and that Florida had been an attractive state for business for years. He also mentioned Disney’s recent project cancellation and job loss, although it had been in the works for months and was reportedly unrelated to DeSantis.

NAACP's Derrick Johnson (@DerrickNAACP) dismisses data showing Florida leads the nation in black-owned businesses: "Propaganda language … The policies [@GovRonDeSantis] put in place are harmful policies to far too many individuals." pic.twitter.com/DxIrkg6ZXQ

— Tom Elliott (@tomselliott) May 22, 2023

Derrick Johnson is lying.

In reality, Florida’s laws require the teaching of black and Hispanic history, albeit with restrictions on educators using their positions to demonize individuals based on skin color. While there are valid concerns surrounding the Stop WOKE Act and cases of overreach, it is important to scrutinize the NAACP’s assertion that Florida is erasing black history.

Contrary to the NAACP’s claims, Florida has taken steps to ensure the teaching of black and Hispanic history in its schools. The state’s educational standards explicitly include the contributions and experiences of these communities. For instance, the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards require the study of African American history, including the civil rights movement and the contributions of prominent figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

Hispanic history is also covered, with an emphasis on the impact of Hispanic cultures on Florida and the United States. By implementing these standards, Florida aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse experiences and contributions of different ethnic groups.

It is worth noting that Florida’s recently enacted Stop WOKE Act has generated controversy. This legislation seeks to prohibit the teaching of critical race theory and other ideologies that promote division and discrimination based on race or sex. While the intent behind the law is to prevent the demonization of individuals based on their skin color, there have been cases where the interpretation and enforcement of the act have raised concerns. In some cases, school boards have banned material about Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and Martin Luther King Jr.

The NAACP’s travel advisory asserts that Florida is erasing black history, but this claim seems to ignore the state’s efforts to incorporate black and Hispanic history into the curriculum. While the Stop WOKE Act may have its flaws, it does not erase the teaching of these histories; rather, it is intended to place limitations on teaching approaches that could potentially perpetuate division. It is essential to separate legitimate concerns about the implementation of the law from sweeping statements that paint Florida as actively hostile towards black and Hispanic communities.

Of course, this episode is just another way for folks on the left to engage in mindless race-baiting instead of actually debating the matter. It is a cynical way to scare black people into not moving to, or visiting, the Sunshine State. In the end, the NAACP has shown itself to be more about furthering racial division than engaging in debate and conversation about these issues.