Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law Monday a bill prohibiting public colleges from using federal or state funding for diversity programs, addressing a concern from conservatives ahead of the Republican governor’s anticipated presidential candidacy.

The law, which DeSantis proposed earlier this year, comes as Republicans across the country are targeting programs about diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

The signing builds on the governor’s increased push to shape Florida’s education system by regulating how schools address issues such as race and gender, with DeSantis claiming he is challenging inappropriate liberal ideology in the classroom.

DeSantis, who is expected to announce his presidential nominee in the coming weeks, has focused heavily on diverse cultural issues as he tries to win over conservative voters who typically decide Republican primaries.

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Higher Education Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion agencies often spearhead services tailored to students of different races, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and abilities. Some college administrators also consider so-called DEI factors when admitting students, providing scholarships, or deciding which faculty to hire and promote.

The law prohibits public universities from diverting state or federal funds to programs or campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion or promote political or social activism.

In reality, this concept of DEI was an attempt to impose orthodoxy on the university, DeSantis said at a signing ceremony in Sarasota. This has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda, and that is wrong.”

The measure also bans curricula that teach identity politics or theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and are created to perpetuate social, political and economic inequalities. teaching critical race theory, a way of thinking about US history through the lens of racism.

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As a sign of DeSantis’ reach in the field of education, he chose to sign the bill at the New College of Florida, a small, traditionally progressive school that became nationally known this year after the governor appointed a group of conservatives to its membership. the supervisory board. One of the DeSantis appointees’ first moves was to eliminate the New College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The acquisition has sparked backlash from students at New College, which has long been known for its progressive thinking and creative course offerings that don’t use traditional grades.

On Monday, a small group of protesters gathered outside the signing ceremony. DeSantis, as well as most of the event speakers, ridiculed them.

You know, I saw some protesters there. I was a little disappointed. I was hoping for more, DeSantis said with a smile as his supporters applauded.

Senator Shevrin Jones, a Democrat, issued a statement after the signing saying the law continues DeSantis’ overreach in education.

Education should be about teaching kids how to think about problems, not what to think about problems, Jones said. The exposure to diverse experiences and fresh perspectives encourages understanding and creativity. By limiting what students can learn, the state actively suppresses students’ academic and intellectual freedom.