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Critics Say DeSantis’ Stop Woke Act Violates Speech Rights

8/22/2026

37 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis launched the Stop Woke Act in 2022 to curb workplace and school discussions of critical race theory.
The Act also limits private businesses from providing equity training.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell warned corporations that ignoring equity could create a “woke parallel government.”
Critics argue the law violates First Amendment free-speech protections on race and gender issues.

History

Historical Context

The 9-justice, unanimous Brown v. Board decision on May 17 1954 declared school segregation unconstitutional, overturning Plessy’s “separate but equal” doctrine and spurring federal civil-rights actions. Decades later, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senate Leader Mitch McConnell cite that precedent while advancing the Stop Woke Act, which bans race-based instruction in schools and workplaces.

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Story summary

Governor Ron DeSantis launched the Stop Woke Act in 2022 to curb workplace and school discussions of critical race theory.
The Act also limits private businesses from providing equity training.
Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell warned corporations that ignoring equity could create a “woke parallel government.”
Critics argue the law violates First Amendment free-speech protections on race and gender issues.

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