Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law banning counties and cities from funding or promoting DEI programs, saying such initiatives have discriminated against "disfavored" groups, including white men. The law allows residents to sue local governments and could remove officials who violate it. Critics, including local NAACP leaders and Democratic lawmakers, say the measure is overly broad and may be unconstitutional. The move follows other state actions limiting DEI spending and the controversial "Stop WOKE Act."
Florida Bans Local DEI Funding After DeSantis Says White Men Are 'Disfavored'
FILE - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is seen before a roundtable discussion on college sports in the East Room of the White House, Friday, March 6, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
ORLANDO, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new Florida law Wednesday that prohibits counties and cities from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs, saying such initiatives have discriminated against "disfavored" groups, including white men.
What the Law Does
The statute bars local governments from spending public funds to support DEI programs or messages. It creates a private right of action that allows residents to sue local governments for violations. Officials found to have willfully funded or promoted prohibited DEI initiatives could face removal from office under the law.
DeSantis' Remarks
At a Jacksonville news conference, the Republican governor described DEI as "an ideological construct that is designed to promote a particular political agenda, particularly to the detriment of disfavored groups." He added:
"The disfavored groups, No. 1, obviously, would be white males, and I think they've been discriminated against. ... No, it's not fine. It's wrong."
DeSantis also said Asian Americans have faced discrimination in college admissions and said people should be judged on merit rather than demographic background. He said policies are appropriate when needed "to even the playing field," but drew a line at what he called attempts to "socially engineer certain outcomes."
Reactions And Context
Evelyn Foxx, president of the NAACP branch in Gainesville, said the governor's comments are out of step with many people. "If you talked to 100 white men, they wouldn't feel the same way," she said, adding that the governor is "out of touch with people."
Supporters of DEI programs argue they are necessary to address the lingering effects of historic discrimination against certain groups. In recent years, a nationwide conservative movement has pushed to limit DEI initiatives in companies, schools and governments — a trend that accelerated during the Trump administration and has been a frequent target of DeSantis' agenda.
Democratic lawmakers and civil rights advocates have warned the new law is overly broad and may face constitutional challenges. Legal experts say litigation is likely given the law's private enforcement mechanism and potential free-speech and equal-protection implications.
Policy History
During his time in office, DeSantis' administration has already limited DEI work at state institutions, including laws that restrict college and university spending on DEI programs and promotion of the so-called "Stop WOKE Act," which curtails certain classroom instruction about race and sex.
Critics say the new local restriction is the latest effort to roll back diversity initiatives across Florida; supporters call it a necessary check on what they view as politicized training and programming. With residents now empowered to sue, enforcement and ensuing court battles will determine how broadly the law is applied.
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