"We Will Not Back Down"

Abortion rights supporters packed the Orlando City Hall plaza Saturday for the Bans Of Our Bodies rally in response to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion,  indicating the likely overturn of Roe v. Wade. State Rep. Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) led the rally, which featured a diverse lineup of speakers, including Florida House candidates, running to represent Winter Garden and Ocoee in the midterm elections, pledging to protect abortion rights.  Watch our Voices from the Rally video and read the story. 

ICYMI: The best 10 quotes from the Bans Off Our Bodies Rally

“Everyone is hurt when dangerous politicians insert themselves into a healthcare decision. Let’s not forget that abortion is healthcare. [They] need to leave these personal decisions in the exam room, where they belong, between a person and their doctor."
                  —Dr. Sujatha Prabhakaran

Republican math book shenanigans may tank AP classes

Students taking Advanced Placement courses for college credit may become collateral damage in Gov. Ron DeSantis’s culture wars.

Notable Quote

"When you couple the increased fines with the new election investigators, it doesn't give you a warm or cozy feeling."
— LWV Florida President Cecile Scoon told CNN in March regarding a bill recently signed into law that creates a police force to combat alleged election fraud.

“No American citizen should be intimidated into not registering to vote”

Florida Rights Restoration Coalition leader fears state's bully tactics could prevent returning citizens from registering to vote this election season.

• Florida school uses art displays from around the world to promote diversity and inclusion (PBS NewsHour)

• Florida Legislature Passes Controversial 'Stop WOKE Act' (SHRM)

• ‘Faculty committee says Joseph Ladapo’s hiring had irregularities (Florida Politics)

• Has the federal government underestimated the progress of high school students for decades? (Chalkbeat)

• Ron DeSantis is threatening Disney with regulations because it spoke out against Florida's Anti-LBGTQ law (Vanity Fair)

• A lifeline for Florida students amid ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law (Center for Public Integrity)

• Lawsuit: So-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law may have free speech implications for FL students, teachers (Florida Phoenix)

• Coastal home buyers are ignoring rising flood risks, despite clear warnings and rising insurance premiums (The Conversation)

• Florida, other states challenge CDC transit mask rule (The AP)

• LGBTQ+ parents fear the impacts of Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill (The 19th)

'Voter District Map Decided'

A Cartoon by Stephen Withers,  May 12, 2022