The “Stop WOKE Act,” passed in Florida in 2022, is continuing to shape the state’s business landscape, particularly for companies that specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. While the legislation is celebrated by its supporters for limiting what they see as divisive and discriminatory concepts in education and the workplace, it has also had a significant economic impact on DEI consulting firms in Florida, forcing some to pivot or even close their doors.
One of the most vocal critics of the law’s effect on DEI businesses is Roni Bennett, founder of South Florida People of Color, an organization dedicated to promoting DEI education in businesses and academic institutions. Bennett, whose organization has been operating since 2015, says her revenue has been slashed in half, going from nearly $300,000 annually to a much smaller figure. She attributes the decline to Florida’s anti-DEI policies, particularly the “Stop WOKE Act.”
“I’m in trouble,” Bennett told the Miami Herald. “Since the Stop WOKE Act, many of our clients have stopped requesting our services.” Bennett’s experience underscores a growing concern among DEI consultants across the state—what was once a thriving industry has seen a sharp decline, as businesses and educational institutions become wary of engaging in DEI programs for fear of running afoul of the law.
Officially known as the “Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act,” the legislation was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in April 2022. The law bans schools and employers from teaching or promoting certain “divisive concepts” related to race and gender, specifically targeting programs that may suggest that one race or gender is inherently superior or oppressive. Supporters argue that the law helps ensure that education and training in schools and workplaces remain neutral and non-discriminatory.
Although businesses were initially concerned that this would affect their DEI initiatives, legal challenges led to a shift in the law’s enforcement. A federal appeals court ruled that the workplace provisions of the law violated the First Amendment, and in 2024, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a permanent injunction against this part of the law, allowing businesses to resume DEI training without the fear of legal retribution.
However, the education-focused provisions of the law, which restrict what can be taught in K-12 schools and universities, remain largely intact. This division in the law’s impact has created confusion and challenges for businesses like Bennett’s, who say they are still facing a backlash from clients worried about the broader implications of the legislation.
“We were on a steady path of growth until the Stop WOKE Act came along,” Bennett said. “It’s hard to compete when people are scared to engage in the very work we’re doing. Many clients stopped requesting our services, and we’re struggling to maintain operations.” While some clients might still be willing to engage in DEI work, others are hesitant to take the risk of facing legal scrutiny, even though the law’s impact on private businesses remains unclear.
Despite these setbacks, Bennett remains committed to her work. She is actively seeking investors to help keep her organization afloat while continuing to advocate for the importance of DEI education in both the private and public sectors.
Despite the setbacks for businesses, many proponents of the law, including Governor DeSantis, argue that the restrictions are necessary to preserve freedom of speech and prevent the imposition of political ideology in workplaces and classrooms. According to DeSantis’ office, the “Stop WOKE Act” aims to ensure that education and training environments remain “open-minded and critical,” without promoting discriminatory views.
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