“Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s Relationship with Black Community Sours Amid Controversial Policies and Racial Tensions”
Four years ago, Governor Ron DeSantis made a move that seemed like a step toward reconciliation with Florida’s African American community. He granted a posthumous pardon to the Groveland Four, a group of Black men who had been wrongfully accused of sexually assaulting a white woman decades earlier. However, since then, DeSantis’s relationship with Black Floridians has deteriorated significantly.
During his tenure, DeSantis has pushed forward policies that have outraged many Black voters and leaders in the state. Some of these policies include changing how slavery is taught in schools, cutting funding for diversity and inclusion initiatives, and redistricting a Black-led congressional district out of existence. As a result, some Black professional groups have stopped hosting conferences in Florida, and numerous Black leaders have condemned the state as an example of racism in policymaking.
The tension reached new heights recently after a racially motivated shooting in Jacksonville claimed the lives of three Black people. At a vigil held for the victims, DeSantis faced loud boos from the largely Black crowd. While he condemned the murders and referred to the perpetrator as a “major-league scumbag,” a Black pastor corrected him, calling the shooter a racist. State Senator Shevrin Jones echoed this sentiment, stating that Jacksonville’s response reflected the sentiment from the Black community across the state.
DeSantis’s office and campaign declined to comment on the matter. However, Republican State Representative Kiyan Michael defended DeSantis, arguing that his policies, such as universal school choice and cracking down on the employment of undocumented immigrants, have benefited African Americans. Michael, who is Black, also commended DeSantis for attending the Jacksonville vigil.
Critics describe a long list of policies that they believe have harmed African Americans, and many of these policies have been challenged in court. For instance, DeSantis sought to restrict the restoration of voting rights for felons, criminalized political protests, and eliminated diversity and inclusion spending from state universities. He also adopted new standards for teaching African American studies in schools that were met with widespread denunciation.
DeSantis’s supporters argue that his policies aim to address injustices, but his critics say they reveal a disregard for marginalized communities. Several Black leaders in Florida have described their relationship with the governor as strained, noting that he has not had any formal meetings with the state’s legislative Black caucus during his time in office.
The strained relationship between DeSantis and the Black community could have ramifications in future elections. Black voters form a crucial part of the Democratic electorate, and their participation is vital for Democratic candidates. In the 2016 elections, Hillary Clinton lost to Donald Trump as Black turnout declined, but in 2020, Joe Biden won after Black voters returned to the polls.
As tensions continue to rise and criticisms toward DeSantis mount, the governor’s stance on racial issues could potentially mobilize Black turnout against him in upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Black national organizations have chosen to avoid or relocate events from Florida due to the state’s perceived hostility toward racial minorities.
Overall, Governor Ron DeSantis’s relationship with Florida’s African American community has become increasingly strained over the past four years, highlighted by controversial policies, racial tensions, and widespread criticism from Black leaders and organizations.