ORLANDO, Fla. — High temperatures didn’t keep thousands of educators and their supporters, who traveled nationwide to Orlando Wednesday to protest against Governor Ron DeSantis’s new laws.
>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<
The morning event was called the “Freedom to Learn” rally during the National Education Association’s (NEA) annual convention held this year at Central Florida’s Orange County Convention Center.
As thousands stood in the scorching heat, the message that rang out many times throughout the rally was that they would continue to fight the changes in public education, especially in Florida.
Read: Apopka commissioners to vote on censuring mayor over ‘Florida’smisleading’ statements
The speakers demanded politicians stop legislating education and banning books for political reasons.
Also stressed during the rally was that all students, regardless of gender, race, or ZIP code, should have access to a high-quality education that allows them to succeed."
Read: Storms flip over 3 aircrafts at Kissimmee airport
Governor Ron DeSantis has said certain books are inappropriate for students, while others may be trying to push a particular political agenda, so he passed a law banning books containing "pornography" or "grooming" content.
State Representative Randy Fine sponsored the law.
Read: Roof partially collapses, building evacuated during Orange County apartment fire
“We want what’s best for the children. We want to educate the children,” said Educator Nelly Henje.
The group also called out the Parental Rights in Education Law, which "attempted to erase and dehumanize the LGBTQ+ community."
They said the decision to block AP African American Studies courses and ban books such as “The Diary of Anne Frank” from being taught in Florida schools was not a good choice.
Read: Company apologizes after construction project causes damaged to Poinciana residents’ homes, lawns
The rally might be over, but their efforts aren’t.
The National Education Association says they plan to bring their fight to Tallahassee, Florida, and other states where similar laws are being passed and discussed.
Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV, and stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2023 Cox Media Group
