Story perspectives

11th Circuit Declares Florida Stop WOKE Higher-Ed Law Unconstitutional

7/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared Florida’s Stop WOKE Act higher-education provisions unconstitutional.
Britt Grant, appointed by President Donald Trump, and Charles Wilson wrote the majority opinion.
Barbara Lagoa, also appointed by President Donald Trump, dissented, arguing the state may choose professors’ viewpoints.
LeRoy Pernell of Florida A&M University led the suit, which the ACLU of Florida, represented by Leah Watson, supported as a strong academic-freedom precedent.

History

Historical Context

In 1967 the Supreme Court’s Keyishian v. Board of Regents invalidated New York’s teacher loyalty-oath, extending the academic-freedom protection first recognized in Sweezy v. New Hampshire (1957). The ACLU has used that precedent to challenge state-mandated viewpoint control. The 11th Circuit’s 2024 decision striking down Florida’s Stop WOKE Act follows this line, reinforcing constitutional scrutiny of curriculum restrictions.

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Story summary

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declared Florida’s Stop WOKE Act higher-education provisions unconstitutional.
Britt Grant, appointed by President Donald Trump, and Charles Wilson wrote the majority opinion.
Barbara Lagoa, also appointed by President Donald Trump, dissented, arguing the state may choose professors’ viewpoints.
LeRoy Pernell of Florida A&M University led the suit, which the ACLU of Florida, represented by Leah Watson, supported as a strong academic-freedom precedent.

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