STATEWIDE — The Florida Senate passed the "Individual Freedom" bill, also known as the "Stop W.O.K.E Act," in 24-15 vote on Thursday. 

What You Need To Know

  • The bill would ban critical race theory (CRT) from being taught in public schools

  • Flagler College professor Dr. J. Michael Butler said he worries bill may have a negative effect on teaching

  • Florida Rep. Joe Harding said there is nothing in the bill that prohibits a teacher from talking about current or historic events

House Bill 7 or Senate Bill 148 would ban critical race theory (CRT) from being taught in public schools.

According to Central Florida school districts, CRT is not taught in any Central Florida public schools.

In a nutshell, CRT is a complex legal theory asserting that racism and discrimination are embedded in America's history and legal system. 

College professor, Florida representative at odds over CRT

Earlier this year, Osceola County schools canceled a history seminar on the civil rights movement for teachers, led by Flagler College professor Dr. J. Michael Butler, because of concerns the professor would present material related to CRT.

But Butler says he had no plans to present anything related to CRT.

He said he worries this bill may have a negative effect on the teaching of important historical facts about Black Americans and civil rights because of school districts acting out of an overabundance of caution. 

"How can you have a Black History Month essay writing contest, when you're afraid to teach the truth of what the civil rights movement was for fear of a making a student 'uncomfortable?' " he said. 

Lawmakers who back the bill said this is not the intent of the bill.

Just last month, Florida Rep. Joe Harding (R-Ocala) said there is nothing in the bill that prohibits a teacher from talking about current or historic events.

But Butler says what happened to him is an example of the potential consequences of the bill, even though it was not the intent. He said he worries this will lead to more sanitization of history. 

“History’s not supposed to make us feel comfortable," Butler said. "History is not supposed to make us feel exceptional. It’s supposed to make us ask very important questions about the American experience.” 

Butler said it would not be taught at the public school level because it is a complex legal theory most often taught in graduate programs.