On Friday, April 22,  Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Stop WOKE Act” into law. Formally known as the “Stop the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees (WOKE) Act,” the legislation restricts discussions and education about race in Florida schools and workplaces.

The bill aims to prohibit teachings about subconscious bias, privilege and oppression based on race, gender, national origin and the idea that people should feel responsible for the actions of people in their own racial, gender, or national origin groups. Teaching or training on such topics is deemed discriminatory under the new law.

Originally proposed in December, the bill has sped through the Florida House and Senate, passing with votes of 74-41 and 24-15 respectively. 

The bill comes amidst a wave of conservative legislation such as the “Dont Say Gay” Bill, which similarly restricts speech about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3 in Florida schools. DeSantis has also considered removing Disney’s special status under the Reedy Creek Improvement District in response to the company’s “woke” policies.