A group of Florida professors has filed a federal lawsuit against state laws limiting DEI initiatives in education, claiming it stifles free speech.

The lawsuit, backed by the ACLU of Florida, claims that the law violates free speech rights. It specifically targets a 2023 law and rules from the state’s Board of Governors. The professors say these rules are vague and limit academic freedom, making it hard for them to teach openly.
The law bans funding for any programs that promote DEI or engage in social activism. It even defines DEI in a way that could include many common educational activities. If universities don’t comply, they risk losing funding, which has left many educators worried about their future.
The lawsuit highlights how these restrictions have already affected courses and funding. For instance, some professors have had their classes stripped of general education status. Others have faced funding denials for conferences they previously attended.
This legal action is part of a broader push by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Republican-led legislature to limit DEI initiatives in education. They’ve been vocal about their opposition to what they call “woke” education, and this lawsuit is just one of several challenges to their policies.
Professors from several universities, including Florida International University and the University of Florida, are involved in this lawsuit. They’re standing up for their rights and the rights of their students, hoping to protect academic freedom in Florida.