As of 2/15/2023, the Movements for Black Lives Matter and LBGTQ have been attacked and Women’s abortion rights have been taken away [Read the article: Banning Reproduction Freedom]!
Florida is base zero for these attacks. The Governor, Ron DeSantis, s, passed laws, through executive order, to eliminate the teaching of slavery. Black History {American History}, a black person’s contribution to society, and being Gay.
To accomplish his goal of whitewashing or not teaching some parts of history, books are banned in elementary and secondary schools. Literature such as books written by Toni Morrison, Marches, speeches by Dr. Martin, major league barrier-breaking Jackie Robinson, etc… Also, he changed the curriculum for colleges–AP courses for black history must be eliminated.
He demanded that teachers not say the word “Gay.” Books about LBGTQ issues are banned and covered-up on selves in the classroom and libraries.
An insurrectionist hate group [Proud Boys], terrorize drag queens during their story-telling hour at libraries.
“Stop police brutality”
Black Lives Matter is a civil rights organization that fights for people who die unjustly [unarmed black people who are shot by police (police brutality)], or people who are charged but are not held accountable for the killing of black people. This is a grassroots organization and was formally formed on July 13, 2013.
On 5/26/20, the death of George Perry Floyd sparked a diverse nation-wide protest for police reform under the banner “Black Lives Matter.” As on-lookers watched Mr. Floyd begged for life while the police suffocated him with his hands subdued behind his back, Darnella Frazier, a 17-year-old girl, filmed the police brutality; it went viral.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) demanded that the police be held accountable. Immediately, all four fired. Ten days later, they were arrested and charged with murder.
Because policing has evolved from protecting the community with a guardian attitude to a warrior mentality, BLM has protested against them. The tactics used for the war on drugs, tough on crime and profiling led to the militarization of police officers. BLM demanded leaders to defund the police budget because of aggressive, unnecessary force. They want political leaders to redirect funds used for police to psychiatrists, affordable housing, and education. For instance, the Baltimore police department is increasing its budget by $40 million. BLM believes a person who has psychiatric problems, who is “homeless,” or who is an addict should see a social worker, not put in jail for committing a non-violate crime; therefore, defund the police budget.
Some states have met BLM’s changes to policing.
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- Minnesota lawmakers have created a proposal for police reform: put investigations of officer-involved deaths in the hands of the attorney general, revamp oversight and disciplinary procedures, and fund community groups that could act as alternatives to the police.
- San Diego, New York, Houston, and Raleigh, N.C., officials have banned police use of chokeholds.
- In New York state, lawmakers overturned a provision that had kept secret officers’ disciplinary records. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf (D) pledged executive action he said would improve training and strengthen accountability. And in Congress, Democrats introduced a broad police bill that includes a chokehold ban and the establishment of a national database to track misconduct.
“Marriage Equality”
The LGBTQ Movement has been around for years. People of this movement want their rights and freedoms recognized like everyone else. On June 26, 2015, the Supreme court legalized the Marriage Equality bill for all 50 states. In other words, gay people’s marriage will be recognized throughout the country, and the rights afforded to heterosexual couples are now provided to gay couples. The Supreme court will not hear the Bathroom bill. It is granted on a state-by-state basis. The law allows a transgender person to use the bathroom he/she relates. For instance, a man feels like a woman. He dresses like one and wants to be referred to as “she.” He feels he should be able to use the ladies’ room without his civil rights being violated.
“Keeping families together. Don’t deport Dreamers; they are Americans.”
The Deferred Action of Child Arrivals (DACA) was introduced by President Barack Obama in 2012. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act did not pass Congress in 2011. DACA is an undocumented student program that protects immigrant students from deportation and grants them a work permit. It replaces the Dream Act of 2001. The immigrants (now called Dreamers) have to enroll in DACA every two years based on their eligibility. They are afforded this is right because the USA is the only country Dreamers know. They were brought here by their parents when they were children. Their parents contribute to our economy and have planted roots in our country. Dreamers want citizenship, and their families should be kept together. Right now, there is no law to protect the Dreamers. Their family members and they can be deported at any time.
“Hold accountable those who commit Sexual Harassment.”
The #MeToo Movement grew out of the women’s march that occurred the day after President Trump’s inauguration (1/21/2017). This movement deals with sexual harassment and how women and men are silenced from telling their story.
“Pass sensible gun laws.”
On February 19, 2018, the young student movement, never again, started after the mass shooting of 17 high school students and faculty members in a quiet, affluent neighborhood in Florida. Laws such as comprehensive background checks, a ban on assault-style weapons, and a limited capacity on gun ammunition can help keep students safe while in school and the public square. This movement is fighting against a powerful (big money donor) gun lobbyist (NRA). The campaign is passionate about sensible gun laws.
“Fully fund education.”
The Teachers’ March on Washington DC happened on April 3, 2018. There were marches around the country and the world. Teachers want more pay AND more funding for schools to buy books, pencils, etc…. It makes no sense that we don’t spend on what we need, yet our government spends on what it wants. Lawmakers always get raises, but can’t fully fund education.
