ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Sierra Club Florida stands in support of the NAACP, LULAC, the Human Rights Campaign, the Florida Immigrant Coalition, and Equality Florida. Under DeSantis, the state is harming all Floridians, especially those of us who are BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQIA+, women, or at risk of forced birth.
“Sierra Club Florida believes that all people have the right to be free, healthy and flourishing. The state has directly threatened our ability to thrive and survive. We cannot and will not be silent,” said Emily Gorman, Director of the Florida Chapter of Sierra Club.
"The Governor's scorched-earth approach does not represent who we are. We are better than this. The politics of anger and fear have no place here. DeSantis’ actions are a reminder to Floridians that the fight to build a more perfect union for everyone is unending. The People of Florida must stand in solidarity," said James C. Scott, Executive Committee Chair of Sierra Club Florida.
The NAACP Travel Advisory released on May 20 rightfully states that “the State of Florida has engaged in an all-out attack on Black Americans, accurate Black history, voting rights, members of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, women’s reproductive rights, and free speech, while simultaneously embracing a culture of fear, bullying, and intimidation by public officials.” Equality Florida’s Memo states, “Florida May Not Be a Safe Place to Move or Visit.” LULAC cautions that our Governor’s violent rhetoric will lead to visiting Latino family members being treated like criminals. Sierra Club Florida concurs.
This year, the current legislature and administration have prioritized political stunts and culture war signaling rather than the freedom, health, and safety of Florida’s people and environment. Racial justice is environmental justice, and Black Floridians and communities continue to bear the brunt of the DeSantis Administration’s harmful policies and rhetoric. Sierra Club will continue to foster inclusivity, conservation, and environmental justice for Florida. We believe that rising to the Sunshine State’s unique challenges requires all Floridians to work together for the wellbeing of our people and planet.
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ABOUT SIERRA CLUB FLORIDA: Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is the oldest and largest environmental advocacy organization in the nation. The Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club boasts over 240,000 members and supporters committed to exploring, enjoying, and protecting the wild places of the earth. To learn more about Sierra Club Florida, click here.