Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Facebook / J.B. Pritzker
Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Facebook / J.B. Pritzker
Gov. J.B. Pritzker reserved a special mention in his State of the State Address to blast what he called “demagogues who are pushing censorship,” alluding to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis who has taken various actions to ban discussion of critical race theory, homosexuality and racism in schools.
“It’s an ideological battle by the right wing, hiding behind a claim that they would protect our children — but whose real intention is to marginalize people and ideas they don’t like,” Pritzker said in his Feb. 15 speech, according to Politico. “This has been done in the past, and it doesn’t stop with just snuffing out idea.”
While Pritzker didn't mention DeSantis by name, Politico said the comments add to an ongoing feud between the two governors over DeSantis blocking an advanced placement course on African American studies from the Florida school curriculum. DeSantis has signed into law the “Stop W.O.K.E Act,” which prohibits Florida educators from teaching critical race theory. DeSantis has also threatened to withdraw state support for AP programs.
DeSantis is a potential presidential candidate who will likely oppose former President Donald Trump for the GOP nomination. Pritzker has repeatedly said he would be supporting President Joe Biden for president, though he too has been rumored to be considering a run of his own.
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