A Florida human rights group staged a sit-in outside of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) office on Wednesday to protest the state’s string of conservative laws, that they described as “right wing attempts to dismantle democracy.”
Dream Defenders, an activist group established in the wake of the 2012 killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., is demanding a meeting with DeSantis and vowed to stay“until DeSantis comes to speak to us.”
“It is about the entirety of his governance and his attempts to divide the people of Florida by attacking the most vulnerable people,” Akin Olla, a spokesperson for Dream Defenders, said in a statement to The Hill.
“It’s too long of a list and we’re trying to avoid chasing after each attack but instead unite the people of Florida against DeSantis and his attempts to destroy the remnants of democracy in Florida,” Olla added, making reference to recent bills that place restrictions on abortion rights, transgender rights, education and the LGBTQ community broadly.
The group said Wednesday’s protest was part of a national day of action for the “freedom to learn” but was altered “to address all of the issues facing Floridians.”
In a press release, Dream Defenders said they hoped the protest would also inspire other states “to take action against the right wing attempts to dismantle democracy.”
Members of the human rights group Dream Defenders stage a sit-in at the Florida Capitol outside of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) office on Wesdnesday, May 3. (Dream Defenders)
DeSantis has repeatedly taken aim at Florida’s schools throughout his tenure as governor, most notably with the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law barred classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for kindergarten through third grade.
Last month, Florida’s Board of Education approved a proposal by DeSantis to expand the controversial law to apply to students through high school. The Florida state legislature also passed their own “Don’t Say Gay” expansion on Wednesday, which the governor is expected to sign.
DeSantis also rejected the preliminary framework of the College Board’s Advanced Placement in African American Studies course, claiming it was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.”
Earlier this month, DeSantis also signed a bill banning abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. The state had previously barred abortions after 15 weeks.
DeSantis’ office did not respond to a request for comment.
Brooke Migdon contributed to this report.