Last week, my former professor was accused of "indoctrinating" students on issues of race...

During my Congressional campaign, I stood alongside of our educators to fight for academic freedom in Florida. Pictured speaking at the "Free-UF" Rally on University of Florida campus.
Attacks on academic freedom have defined the political agenda of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. When I was running for Congress, I stood with faculty at UF ([link removed]) to defend their rights to free speech and spoke out against the polarizing appointment for UF's next president ([link removed]) .

I promised that I would fight for Florida and our academic freedom, regardless of what happened in my race. That's why when I heard about my former university professor being accused of "indoctrinating" students on issues of race,
I had to say something. We have a moral responsibility to act in the face of censorship, whitewashing, and the weaponization of education in America.

Last week, Dr. Samuel Joeckel, a professor of English at Palm Beach Atlantic University, was informed that his contract renewal was being delayed after a parent complained to the university president that he was “indoctrinating” students on issues of race. It is likely that after 21 years of teaching at PBA, he will be terminated.

As a Palm Beach Atlantic University alum, I am ashamed to see the university pandering to political bad actors. During my time at PBA, Dr. Joeckel and other like-minded professors helped me develop as a scholar and a citizen, opening my mind to the perspectives of others. Read my full statement here ([link removed]) andread about the incident in this article by CNN. ([link removed])

This incident is not an isolated one - all over Florida, our educators ([link removed]) and curricula ([link removed]) under attack.
Not only does DeSantis’ crusade to control educational curricula in Florida shortchange students and prevent open dialogue, but—most importantly—it absolves educators of the responsibility to discuss pervasive and urgent issues of racial injustice throughout American history and in the present day. Restricting much-needed conversations surrounding race is, at its core, discrimination and racism itself.

Here's how you can help:
1. Join me in voicing opposition to PBA’s censorship by contacting PBA President Schwinn’s office at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) and at 561-803-2004.

2. You can also express your concern for the Governor’s ideological attacks on education by contacting your Florida legislators. You can find them here: [link removed].

Fighting for Florida, always.

-- Danielle Hawk

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