Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke to a crowd of Republicans at an event in New Hampshire on Saturday, focusing on low-tax fiscal policy, border security, and law and order. During his speech, he addressed the way K-12 public schools handle sensitive subjects such as transgender people while also promoting low taxes and corporate involvement in what he called "woke" activism.
His remarks were met with a standing ovation from most of the 500 ticket-buying attendees. However, Gov. DeSantis did not mention Florida's new six-week abortion ban during his address.
Governor DeSantis announced that Florida would become the first state to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from its institutions of higher learning. He described current DEI efforts as "a Trojan horse for leftist ideology" when responding to criticism regarding this decision.
Protesters gathered outside the venue where Gov. DeSantis was speaking to express their disagreement with his stance on abortion. In contrast, others showed support by flying flags bearing former President Donald Trump's name.
Despite enjoying popularity among some Republican circles due to his policies in Florida, there remain those who hope that Gov. DeSantis will be remembered for supporting the state's controversial abortion ban come 2022 elections.
Eliza Thompson-Reid attended the event as an undecided voter but left impressed by Gov. DeSantis' commitment to conservative values: "The governor is taking a strong stand against leftist indoctrination in our educational system," she said.
However, Lisa Martinez-Jones expressed concern over eliminating DEI initiatives: "Eliminating these programs sends a message that we do not value diverse perspectives or strive for equality."
As debates continue surrounding Gov.De Santis' positions on various issues like education reform and reproductive rights legislation like the recent six-week abortion ban, it remains to be seen how these stances will impact his standing among Republicans and the broader electorate moving forward.