News

“What Are Florida’s ‘Schools of Hope’ A look at a controversial education reform: charter schools called “Schools of Hope” operate in historically low-performing school zones. What's really at stake especially for Black communities? What Is a “School of Hope”? Legally defined in Florida Statute § 1002.333. The Florida Senate+2The Florida Senate+2 It’s a public charter school , not private but run by a non-profit “hope operator.” Florida Department of Education+1 Must serve s

What just changed: Florida adopts the ‘Phoenix Declaration’ for schools” On Nov 13, 2025, Florida became the first state  to adopt a new conservative education framework — the Phoenix Declaration  — developed by the Heritage Foundation (the same group behind Project 2025). Florida Department of Education+2Spectrum News 13+2 Why it matters:  This could reshape what is taught in our public schools — especially around history, civics, character, and values. What Is the Phoenix

The longest government shutdown in history may be over, but the fight for food access, economic mobility, and affordable healthcare is far from finished.   This crisis was never about fiscal responsibility, it was about the failure of those in power to prioritize the basic needs of their constituents. For weeks, families were forced into an impossible choice between feeding their children and maintaining access to healthcare. We pitted the hungry against the sick. We told mil

Southern Poverty Law Center  400 Washington Avenue  Montgomery, AL 36104  Thursday, October 30, 2025  The Honorable Ron DeSantis  Governor of Florida  Office of the Governor  400 South Monroe Street  Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001  (sent via email to g overnorron.desantis@eog.myflorida.com )   RE: Use Emergency Funds Now to Prevent a SNAP Crisis in Florida  Dear Governor DeSantis,  On behalf of the Southern Poverty Law Center and the undersigned community, we urge you to  deploy