DeSantis Advocates for Educational Reform at Atlanta Conference

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis addressed attendees at The Gathering conference in Atlanta, proposing a controversial approach to state funding for universities. He argued that taxpayer dollars should not support institutions perceived as hostile to the values and freedoms of Floridians. DeSantis highlighted the Bright Future scholarship program, which enables high-achieving students to graduate debt-free, as part of his broader initiative to enhance academic standards and attract quality educators to Florida's universities. The governor expressed concern over the potential erosion of values instilled by parents through K-12 education, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a supportive higher education environment. He referenced recent controversies at institutions like Columbia University to illustrate his point, asserting that without a strong counter-narrative in higher education, conservatives risk losing critical cultural battles. DeSantis claimed that Florida has made significant strides in reclaiming the traditional mission of higher education. In his remarks, DeSantis also criticized the influence of leftist ideologies in various sectors, including K-12 education and corporate America. He pointed to the declining membership of the teachers' union in Miami-Dade County as evidence of Florida's success in resisting these influences. Despite his conservative stance, DeSantis clarified that his goal is not merely to preserve the status quo but to actively reshape the educational landscape in Florida and beyond.