Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed a bill Thursday that prohibits any historical distortion within the training Florida teachers undergo.

HB 1291 regulates the training curriculum to “not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum or instruction that teaches identity politics, or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.” The Florida governor made it clear that there will be “no DEI” in the state during a press conference Thursday and suggested curriculums in violation “could constitute actionable conduct” thanks to this new law.

“We reject a global elite trying to force their ideology on us by capturing major institutions,” DeSantis said. “It’s our view that current Florida civil rights laws prohibit some of this racist training that is being done and imposed under the rubric of DEI.”

DeSantis pointed to the protests on other university campuses as an example of teachers and students alike falling prey to identity politics. Meanwhile in Florida, he has promised a strong response to students attempting similar sit-ins on Florida campuses.

“You want to see the fruits of DEI? Just look at Columbia University. Not exactly the way you want to run a ship,” DeSantis said.

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Florida preparation programs are encouraged by the legislation to help candidates “think critically, achieve mastery of academic program content, learn instructional strategies, and demonstrate competence.” This will apply to new teachers and also teachers applying for recertification beginning July 1.

Ahead of the 2022-23 school year, Florida certified over 466,000 teachers, according to the Florida Department of Education.