Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for a ban on diversity programs at public colleges.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announced plans to ban public colleges from running programs on diversity, equity and inclusion, and critical race theory.

The Republican governor introduced the proposal as part of a larger package of higher education legislation that is expected to be passed by the GOP-controlled statehouse when it begins regular session in March.

DeSantis, a potential 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has been heavily criticized critical race theorywhich explores systemic racism as well as diversity, equity and inclusion programs commonly known as DEI.

Critical race theory is a way of thinking about American history through the lens of racism. Scholars developed it in the 1970s and 1980s in response to what scholars saw as a lack of racial progress following the passage of civil rights legislation in the 1960s. It is based on the idea that racism is a systemic phenomenon in national institutions that serve to maintain white supremacy in society.

“I think people want to see real scientists, and they want to get rid of some of the political hype that seems to go along with all this,” DeSantis said at a press conference in Bradenton, adding that the DEI and CRT programs would get a “No” . funding, and it will wither in the bud.

The Governor’s statement said the proposal “raises the standards of teaching and civic discourse in public higher education in Florida” by “prohibiting institutions of higher education from using any funding, regardless of source, to support DEI, CRT, and other discriminatory programs.” initiatives.”

The proposal was expected after the DeSantis administration in late December demanded that public colleges send expense data and other information about programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion, and critical race theory.

The Governor is also pushing for education administrators to “rebuild” courses to provide historically accurate information and not include identity politics. DeSantis’ proposals have yet to be presented as formal legislation, but the Republican Party-controlled statehouse often seeks to implement his initiatives.

DeSantis and other conservatives have long argued that critical racial theory, as well as programs of diversity, fairness, and inclusion cause racial division and discrimination—and are frequently cited in criticism of what they often refer to as “awakening” ideology in education.

Last year, the governor signed into law a law dubbed the Stop WOKE Act that restricts certain racially motivated speech and analysis in schools and businesses. The law prohibits regulations that say members of one race are inherently racist or should feel guilty about past actions committed by others of the same race, among other things.

This month, the DeSantis administration blocked a new Advanced Placement course in African American studies from teaching in high schools, saying it violates state law and is historically inaccurate.

To date, at least 25 states have considered legislation or other measures to restrict the teaching of race and racism, according to an analysis by Education Week. Eight states, all led by Republicans, have banned or restricted the teaching of critical race theory or similar concepts through laws or administrative action. The prohibitions are mainly about what can be taught in the classroom.