By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House on Monday proposed an overhaul of the Reedy Creek Improvement District that would give power to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who targeted the district last year after he clashed with the Walt Disney Co. over a controversial education law.‘ The 189-page bill (HB […]
BY Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — After state education officials rejected an Advanced Placement African-American studies course, The College Board on Wednesday released a new framework that appears to have dropped content that drew objections from the state. The Florida Department of Education last month sent a letter to The College […]
By Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A revamped New College of Florida Board of Trustees on Tuesday quickly shook up leadership at the small liberal-arts school, removing President Patricia Okker and replacing her on an interim basis with former state Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. The moves came after Gov. Ron DeSantis […]
By Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday rolled out a slate of higher-education proposals that included eliminating spending on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, a move the governor said would lead such programs to “wither on the vine.” DeSantis also announced proposals involving the frequency of post-tenure […]
By Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Calling the proposal an effort to “remove the government permission slip,” House Speaker Paul Renner on Monday announced legislation that would allow people to carry concealed weapons without licenses. Renner, R-Palm Coast, was flanked by Republican lawmakers and county sheriffs who backed the 63-page proposal, […]
By Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — A proposal that would massively expand eligibility for school vouchers began moving forward Thursday in the Florida House, with the Republican sponsor touting it as a way to provide “customized” education and Democrats questioning its lack of income requirements. The House Choice & Innovation Subcommittee […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Supreme Court on Monday rejected requests to halt a law that prevents abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Justices, in a 4-1 decision, turned down a motion by seven abortion clinics and a doctor for a stay of a ruling by the 1st […]
By Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Saying that an African-American studies course “lacks educational value,” Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is defending its rejection of the curriculum, while Black religious leaders and elected officials are pledging to “fight like hell” against the decision. Black lawmakers, religious leaders and local elected officials are […]
By Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — In a case stemming from the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the Florida Supreme Court on Thursday rejected a challenge to a state law that threatens stiff penalties if local officials pass gun-related regulations. The 5-1 ruling was a blow to […]
By Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida TALLAHASSEE — Some Florida universities are spending millions of dollars on programs and other expenses related to diversity, equity and inclusion — as Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration target “trendy ideology” on campuses. Chris Spencer, director of DeSantis’ Office of Policy and Budget, in a Dec. […]