Constitution-university advocates are cheering Friday’s appointment of Florida state Sen. Manny Diaz as the Sunshine State’s new schooling main.
Diaz, the initially Hispanic to provide as Florida’s Division of Education commissioner, has been a longtime supporter of school preference and is envisioned to expand the sector on using office in June.
Florida hosts 5 of the country’s 10 largest school districts, and Diaz’s new position provides constitution supporters a key countrywide foothold.
The Cuban-American is thought of a staunch conservative and has been an ally of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who aided him land the education and learning post.
In addition to charter educational institutions, Diaz has also supported govt-funded vouchers for learners who want to show up at personal educational institutions.
At his Friday affirmation listening to, Diaz sought to reassure classic public-school advocates that he would assistance all elements of Florida’s education technique.
Hailing from Hialeah Gardens, Diaz has backed numerous controversial initiatives spearheaded by DeSantis in latest months.
These include things like the “Parents Legal rights Bill” that prohibits instruction on gender id and sexual orientation for young ones in kindergarten by means of the 3rd quality.
Critics called it the “Don’t Say Gay” invoice and reported it was hostile to the LGBTQ neighborhood.
Diaz has also supported the elimination of vital race theory from Florida educational institutions and pushed for a obligatory “Victims of Communism Day” of instruction for all little ones.
“I know him to be a particular person of integrity and constantly open up to very seriously contemplating opposing viewpoints,” mentioned former point out Sen. Bill Montford, chief govt officer of the Florida Association of District School Superintendents.
The Florida State Board of Schooling accredited Diaz unanimously Friday.