Critics slam DeSantis’ latest 'unprecedented' move: 'You can’t do anything he considers woke'

30 June 2024

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this week cut millions of dollars in arts and culture from the Sunshine State's budget over a beloved Tampa-based festival the governor believes is too "sexual," according to The Guardian.

Per the report, Desantis refused to elaborate during a Thursday press conference on what he meant by "they're doing all this stuff" at the 10-day "Tampa fringe" festival that promotes inclusivity.

Margaret Ledford, who serves as artistic director for City Theatre Miami — a group for middle school students that "lost a $47,000 grant" due to DeSantis' move — said the more than $32 million in funding cuts is "going to be a combination of everything, from tightening our programming and salaries, and going to our patrons, once again, for donations."

"You can’t say gay, you can’t do anything he considers woke, and the word climate change has been taken out of state statutes," she said.

Ledford added, "We’re also trying to figure out how we reach the students of the community if we can’t talk about things they need to talk about in schools. If we bring in a play with a gay character, we can do that because we’re theater, but whose job are we putting in jeopardy if a student then asks a question of a teacher?"

Creative Pinellas' chief executive Margaret Murray, according to the news outlet, slammed the "unprecedented, wide-ranging veto of grants to almost 700 groups and organizations."

It's "incredibly disheartening," she said.

"According to a recent report by the Florida Cultural Alliance, every $1 spent on the arts generates $9 in economic activity," Murray said. "Unfortunately, there is little recourse to reverse the state’s decision, but we do still have a voice. Please continue supporting the artists and arts organizations. Now is the time to buy that piece of artwork or purchase tickets to the play you recently heard about. Collectively, we can amplify our advocacy for the arts and make our voices heard."

The Guardian's full report is available here.

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