When arts organizations in line for tourist tax grants were asked in July to acknowledge new diversity, equity and inclusion stipulations to receive public funds for 2027, most hoped the Sarasota County Commission would either provide more clarity or overlook the culture war issue.
Instead, without much discussion or further clarification, commissioners on Wednesday approved $2.1 million in county support to 33 organizations.
The new clause, added this year to Sarasota County’s cultural grant agreements, cites Senate Bill 1134. Signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April and taking effect on Jan. 1, the law prohibits counties from using public money to support DEI initiatives. DEI is defined in the bill as any effort to use race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation to influence hiring, provide preferential treatment, or promote programming and activities…