As Ron DeSantis eyes the presidency, criticism from Republican leaders grows over his approach to racial issues, including an “anti-woke” Black history curriculum.

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, eyeing a potential presidential bid, is facing increasing criticism from Republican leaders over his approach to racial issues, particularly his handling of an “anti-woke” Black history curriculum in public schools.

Initially cheered by civil rights activists for pardoning four Black men wrongfully convicted of rape, DeSantis’ tenure as governor has been marked by what African American leaders call a pattern of “policy violence” against people of color. Their hope that he would be an ally on racial justice has faded, with recent debates surrounding the state’s Black history curriculum amplifying tensions.

The curriculum, which mandates middle-school students to be taught that enslaved people “developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit,” has drawn sharp criticism from Vice President Kamala Harris, two leading Black Republicans in Congress, and civil rights leaders. Critics argue that DeSantis’ administration is perpetuating a divisive narrative about slavery.

DeSantis, however, remains defiant, defending the curriculum and accusing his critics of misinterpretation. He has positioned himself to the right of former President Donald Trump, embracing far-right positions on race as he seeks to appeal to the party’s white base.

The controversy over the curriculum highlights the political and practical risks of DeSantis’ approach to racial issues. While he hopes to reset his struggling campaign, his divisive stance risks alienating conservative supporters and undermining his core message of being more electable than Trump against President Joe Biden.

Republican strategists acknowledge the potential impact of the curriculum fight on the party’s modest gains with voters of color. However, DeSantis’ far-right positions have become popular since Trump’s rise, making them appealing to voters in Republican primaries, which are predominantly white.

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As the GOP’s presidential primary unfolds, candidates have come out against critical race theory and emphasize that America is not a racist nation. DeSantis has gone further than his 2024 rivals in enshrining conservative positions through government actions, a move that has earned him praise from some conservatives but also drawn criticism from civil rights leaders and Democratic lawmakers.

In the face of mounting criticism, DeSantis’ presidential ambitions are at a critical juncture, and how he navigates the debates on racial issues may significantly impact his campaign’s trajectory.

Despite the backlash, some Black Republican activists, like Quisha King of Jacksonville, stand behind DeSantis, especially on education matters. They argue that the curriculum’s portrayal of enslaved people is not a condemnation but a recognition of their resilience and resourcefulness in challenging circumstances.

While DeSantis maintains his stance, the GOP faces a delicate balancing act in its efforts to appeal to its white base while engaging with voters of color in a shifting political landscape.