In the News
FLORIDA DEMOCRATS DENOUNCE REPUBLICAN ATTEMPTS TO WHITEWASH THE HISTORY OF SLAVERY
Today, in a debate on CS/HB 1291, Florida State Representative Alex Andrade insisted that children be taught that “some slaves were paid for their work.” In response, the Florida Democratic Party has issued the following statement:
“Florida Republicans are hell bent on teaching our children that slavery wasn’t bad,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Rep. Andrade’s comments today are just the latest example of the GOP’s obsession with whitewashing history — we all remember last year’s national backlash at updated standards that require teachers to talk about so-called ‘personal benefits’ gained by slaves.
“Slavery was a horrific evil. This shouldn’t be a bold statement, and Florida’s teachers should be able to teach that in the classroom. Florida Republicans’ continued attempts to teach our children otherwise is immoral and outrageous, and every Republican elected in Florida should be put on record answering for Andrade’s comments — any answer that tries to justify or whitewash the evils of slavery should be considered disqualifying for office.”
