Woke Wars Episode 1: Florida pulls the plug on diversity | Opinion

How do we, as a society, “do diversity” in a way that’s effective yet fair? This is the question the Miami Herald Editorial Board grappled with on this week’s episode of “Woke Wars.” You can listen on Apple, Spotify, Miami Herald’s website, or wherever else you listen to podcasts.

It has taken the country decades to undo many of the effects of what took centuries to put in place: from Jim Crow laws to denying women voting rights to branding homosexuality a shameful mental illness.

Florida has taken less than four years to reverse hard-won strides, while questioning — sometimes legitimately — the costs of such progress. For instance, has the inclusion of marginalized citizens, Blacks, Hispanics women, LGBTQ, religious minorities and others led to the exclusion of white conservatives leading college classrooms and choosing curricula? The DeSantis administration’s hostility to three little letters, DEI — Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — has made Florida Ground Zero in the culture wars reshaping education, business and our conversations on race, gender and sexuality.

It’s called the “War on Woke.” The victors, if they get their way, will have redefined no less than what it means to be an American; whose history is valued; whose presence is celebrated.

The losers will continue their fight for recognition, opportunity and a fair shake.

And Floridians should be aware of the costs of re-marginalizing those it took decades to claim at least a few seats at the tables of power.

Woke Wars, a weekly opinion podcast by the Miami Herald Editorial Board, explores culture war issues that are dominating the Florida Legislature. Listen to new episodes every Thursday on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple, Amazon Music or wherever you get your podcasts. Have a question? Want to share some feedback? email lcostantino@miamiherald.com with the subject line WOKE WARS.

Read more perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion here:

• In DeSantis’ Florida, ‘reverse racism’ has morphed into a new bogeyman: diversity | Opinion

• Gov. DeSantis has enhanced, not weakened, African-American studies in Florida | Opinion

• In the push for diversity and equity, we must make sure that disability is included | Opinion

• Help wanted? For Florida businesses, inclusive benefits could be the answer | Opinion

• DeSantis administration aims to ‘curb’ diversity, equity, inclusion in state universities

This story was originally published March 9, 2023 at 5:00 AM.