College and high school students strike across Florida to protest DeSantis’ education decisions

WEST MIAMI-DADE, FL. (WSVN) — Rallies have been held at Florida universities and high schools to protest Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent decisions aimed at education in the state.

7News cameras captured Florida International University West Miami-Dade students as they marched and held banners Thursday afternoon.

Participants chanted “We won’t let you run our school”, “Trans rights are human rights” and “Ron DeSantis must go.”

Demonstrators voiced their disapproval of DeSantis’ proposals to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at Florida’s public universities and colleges.

The protesters said the proposals are frightening and insulting and they hope the governor will hear their message.

“We have strength in numbers. We are strong, we are young and ready to stand up for what we believe in,” said PFR student Ness Cruz.

Thursday’s protests were aimed at sending a message to DeSantis.

“You will never silence us. We will always be here no matter what, and whatever you try to do to silence us, we will always be here,” said Nekorra Katako, a student at Nova Southeast University. “We are here to live, to be happy, and that’s all we ask.”

The local protests are part of a statewide college campus strike in response to DeSantis and his efforts to eliminate these programs.

He announced this on January 31st.

“We are also going to eliminate all DEI and [critical race theory] bureaucracy in the state of Florida,” DeSantis said. “There is no funding, and it will wither in the bud.”

The University of Florida at Gainesville also hosted the event. Mobile phone video captured demonstrators holding placards.

Local high school students also protested the governor’s decision to block the African American Deep Learning course.

At Plantation High School, several hundred students took to the football field.

“In protest against Ron DeSantis and the racist, fascist nonsense he does as governor of Florida,” said Eric Franzblau, a plantation high school student.

Back at the FIU, the students marched with pride flags and placards, chanting “We can’t be banned.” They were urged to wear black to the rally.

“We are here because the DEI programs mean everything to me, they mean everything to the students who are here,” said Kylie LaChapelle, President of Pride FIU Student Union. “A lot of people are scared right now, but more than anything, I have hope because, again, we are much stronger.”

The students said they plan to file their protests with the Florida State Capitol when the state legislature meets in March.

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