Equal Ground Responds to Florida Supreme Court Decision: “The Florida Supreme Court has turned its back on Black voters”

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Equal Ground Responds to Florida Supreme Court Decision: “The Florida Supreme Court has turned its back on Black voters”

FLORIDA – Today, the Florida Supreme Court issued a 5-1 decision upholding a congressional map that clearly diminishes Black voting power, turning its back on Black voters and sending a chilling message to all Floridians. 

In response to today’s decision Genesis Robinson, executive director of Equal Ground – a plaintiff in Black Voters Matter v. Byrd and the preeminent Black-led, non-partisan, non-profit organization working to expand Black political power in Florida – said: 

“Today is another dark day in the history of Florida. With today’s ruling, the Florida Supreme Court has turned its back on Black voters, the state constitution, and the fundamental principles of representative democracy.

“By allowing a map that clearly diminishes Black voting power to stand in a 5-1 decision, the Court has sent a chilling message: the constitutional rights of Black Floridians are negotiable, and the will of the people can be ignored, even when it is written into the very fabric of our laws.

“At the heart of this case was a basic question: Do Black Floridians have the right to fair representation in Congress? Today, the Court answered with a resounding no.

“This is not just a legal setback, it is a direct attack on Black political power and a decision that will have ripple effects for generations. It cements an unjust political advantage and further erodes trust in our institutions.”

Today’s ruling, handed down by a court largely appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, disregards the Fair Districts Amendments, which were overwhelmingly passed by Florida voters to protect minority voters and prevent partisan gerrymandering. It confirms that even when communities play by the rules, organize, and demand fairness, those in power can still bend the system to serve themselves

The timing of this decision is especially troubling. It comes just days after Governor DeSantis publicly expressed a desire to redo the 2020 Census next year and further consolidate partisan power through redistricting. With this ruling, the Court has made clear that it will not act as a check on Governor DeSantis’s efforts to undermine democracy.

Regardless of party affiliation, courts are supposed to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of the people, not serve political interests. The law is clear. But tragically, so is the message being sent today.

Despite what this court, or any politician may believe, Black voters matter. Their ability to participate fully and equally in our democracy must be protected, not undermined. We are deeply disappointed in this decision, but we are not deterred. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the fight for fair maps, equal representation, and a democracy that works for all Floridians.

Equal Ground, alongside our partners and communities across this state, will continue to organize, mobilize, and resist efforts to silence our voices. We will not stop until our democracy reflects the people it serves, not just the powerful few.

To schedule interviews with Equal Ground Executive Director Genesis Robinson, email team@feldmanstrategies.com

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