In response to Gov. Ron DeSantis' recent attacks on diversity programs and LGBTQ+ policies, on Friday over three hundred high schools and colleges across Florida participated in a planned walkout, including students and faculty here in Tampa.
This afternoon, students and teachers gathered outside of Hillsborough High School carrying signs and calling for the State of Florida to cease book bans, increase diversity initiatives, and end the recently expanded so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill.
The walkout was organized by the Hillsborough High Schools Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Black Empowerment, Students Demand Action, and others.
Across town, a similar "Walkout 2 Learn" rally was happening at the Marshall Student Center at the University of South Florida Tampa Campus, alongside progressive groups like the SEE Alliance, How We All Win, Dream Defenders, Equality Florida, and People Power Florida.
Democratic Representatives Fentrice Driskell and Anna Eskamani were also in attendance.
"The overwhelming majority of Florida students, faculty, and community members reject these attacks on our education, livelihood, and safety," said Stand For Florida in a prepared statement. "We understand that diversity is what makes our schools and nation strong, and in collaboration with the statewide Walkout to Learn, USF students will be rallying to unite against these infringements on our individual freedoms."
