State restrictions “have left instructors and students fearful for the future of not only education, but also free thought and democracy in Florida,” the professors’ lawyers wrote.

UF professors are taking legal action against Gov. Ron DeSantis and other education officials over the state’s “Stop WOKE Act” law and other DEI restrictions

The six professors claim the restrictions violate educators’ and students’ speech rights. They say is has "left instructors and students fearful for the future of not only education, but also free thought and democracy in Florida.

Plaintiffs say the restrictions are 'punishing educators and students for expressing differing and disfavored viewpoints'

The ACLU of Florida filed suit this week against a 2023 law it argues curtails academic freedom and violates First Amendment rights. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of professors whose careers have been “disrupted” as a result of SB 266,