Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has broken with former President Donald Trump, saying that he is "self-centered, self-possessed, and self-consumed". Florida Governor Ron DeSantis acknowledged that Trump had lost the 2020 election, while Trump spokesperson Steve Cheung accused DeSantis of being "Joe Biden's biggest cheerleader". Christie has said that if Trump were to become president again, he would take him at his word, as the Republican party continues to grapple with Trump's legacy.
Posts tagged as “Equality Florida”
An Alabama man is facing federal charges in a trial in Florida, where the judge has closed jury selection to the defendant's family and the general public. Legal experts have pointed out two key errors made by the judge which could violate the defendant's Sixth Amendment right to a public trial. The trial is ongoing and the outcome is yet to be determined, with the potential to set a precedent for similar cases in the future.
On August 4, 2023, a re-enactment of the 2018 Parkland shooting was conducted at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The re-enactment was authorized by a judge as part of a civil case brought by the victims’ families and the wounded, and was led by a congressional delegation group. Up to 139 shots were fired during the re-enactment, which was not organized or controlled by the Broward County Public Schools. The outcome of the re-enactment is yet to be determined.
The Florida Department of Education has effectively banned the teaching of Advanced Placement Psychology in the state, instructing superintendents to exclude any mention of topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity. This ban has been met with criticism from many, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the National Center for Transgender Equality, who have both released statements condemning the ban. The College Board has expressed sadness at the decision and will continue to advocate for access to a full and comprehensive education for all students.
Judge Tanya Chutkan, an Obama appointee, has been assigned to preside over former President Donald Trump's latest indictment. Despite Senate Republicans' attempts to undermine her credibility, they unanimously voted to confirm her in 2014. Chutkan has established a reputation for imposing tough penalties on rioters who participated in the 2021 attack on the Capitol, including handing down the longest sentence of just over five years.
Florida Governors Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom have agreed to a live policy-based debate on Fox News, proposed by Fox News host Sean Hannity. The debate was initially suggested by Hannity during an interview with Newsom in June, and DeSantis accepted the challenge on Wednesday. The date and time of the debate have yet to be announced, but it is expected to be a three-hour long event broadcast live on Fox News.
A Florida mother, Arya Singh, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and abuse of a dead human body in the death of her newborn child, known as "Baby June". DNA testing linked the child to a relative, and the sentencing of Singh brings some closure to the tragedy.
The governing district of Walt Disney World, now controlled by appointees of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, has abolished diversity, equity and inclusion programs, as well as initiatives that awarded contracts based on goals of achieving racial or gender parity. The district's new administrator, Glenton Gilzean, expressed his disappointment with the decision, noting that such initiatives are important for creating a more equitable and inclusive environment. Critics argue that these programs are essential for promoting fairness and equality in the workplace.