Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hopes to ride his “
War on Woke” to the White House, but it is not winning his state points for quality of life. Supporters of the state’s “Stop WOKE Act”, which DeSantis signed into law in 2022, say it protects employees from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that DeSantis says are toxic. But many companies consider DEI an economic imperative, and courts have
struck down parts of the law. The recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action in higher education, however, is expected to lead to new legal challenges related to DEI programs in the corporate world.
Florida is also one of the most difficult states to vote in, according to researchers at Northern Illinois University. DeSantis argues that none of this is stopping huge numbers of people from moving to Florida, and he has a point. The state leads the nation in just about every measure of migration. But rated strictly on Life, Health and Inclusion, the Sunshine State can be a dreary place.
2023 Life, Health & Inclusion Score: 129 out of 350 points (Top States Grade: D)
Strengths: Air Quality, Childcare, Worker Protections
Weaknesses: Inclusiveness, Reproductive Rights