The NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida on Saturday, warning Black people that the state is “openly hostile toward African-Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”
The organization said its warning was a direct response to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ actions.
“Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the State of Florida has criminalized protests, restricted the ability of educators to teach African-American history, and engaged in a blatant war against diversity and inclusion,” the NAACP said.
Earlier this year, DeSantis successfully forced changes to AP African-American history classes in the state and across the country after objecting to the coursework. He has also launched a series of culture war initiatives and even passed a bill called the “Stop W.O.K.E. Act.”
“Under its current Governor, the State of Florida has engaged in an all-out attack on Black Americans, accurate Black history, voting rights, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, women’s reproductive rights, and free speech, while simultaneously embracing a culture of fear, bullying, and intimidation by public officials,” the NAACP said in its warning.
“If you decide to travel to Florida, 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.”
In its more than 110-year history, the NAACP has issued two travel advisories about U.S. states. In 2017, the organization warned Black people about traveling to Missouri. That warning remains in effect.
Tourism is a major part of Florida’s economy, so if people choose to heed the NAACP’s warning, it could affect the state’s bottom line. However, DeSantis has shown little concern for tourism in the state, as he’s already picked a massive fight with one of the biggest draws, Disney.
Last week, the global behemoth canceled a planned $1 billion project in the state amid an ongoing legal fight with the governor.
DeSantis, who is expected to formally announce his campaign for president this week, did not publicly respond to the NAACP’s warning.
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), a Latino civil rights organization, and Equality Florida, a gay rights advocacy group, issued similar warnings ahead of the NAACP’s advisory.