ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — City and county leaders from across Florida held a joint press conference on Wednesday to sound the alarm about DEI rollback legislation which will be voted on this week, with St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth Welch calling it “dangerous” and “undemocratic.”
“This proposed legislation is a serious threat to local governments,” he said. “It is also the latest attempt by some in the legislature to redefine and demonize the concept of diversity, equity and inclusion.”
The Florida House and Senate bills mirror each other and would prohibit counties and cities from funding or promoting most actions related to diversity, equity and inclusion. It states that local officials who violate the law commit malfeasance and could be removed from office. The legislation also allows for lawsuits against local governments…