Jolly Proposes Office of Civil Rights in Governor’s Office If Elected
Former congressman David Jolly says he would create a new civil rights office to address voting access and education equity if elected governor.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA — Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly announced Sunday that he would establish an Office of Civil Rights within the Governor’s Office if elected in November, proposing the initiative during a gathering hosted by the Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus.
The former U.S. representative from Pinellas County outlined his vision for the office while reflecting on recent federal voting rights developments. Jolly referenced the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that weakened Section 2 of the 1965 U.S. Voting Rights Act, which has allowed southern states to redraw congressional maps to eliminate Democratic districts and dilute the influence of Black voters.
“I don’t think that the disparate impact of prejudicial and racist policies of the last 100 years has now expired and now we’re a moment of great equality and equity, I don’t,” Jolly said. “I think the disparate impact is still real today.”
Proposed Office Responsibilities
Jolly stated that Florida “deserves an Office of Civil Rights” and described several areas the office would address. The proposed office would examine voting rights issues, ensure access to healthcare, and guarantee everyone receives a “high quality education” as outlined in the Florida Constitution.
The announcement comes as the Ron DeSantis administration has dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion programs throughout the state. These efforts began in 2023 when the state passed legislation prohibiting public colleges and universities from spending money on DEI programs.
Recent DEI Restrictions
The state expanded its restrictions last month when Governor DeSantis signed legislation (SB 1134) that bans local governments from funding or promoting DEI initiatives. Local officials found violating the law face removal from office, with the measure taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier added to the restrictions in January by issuing an advisory legal opinion on the Martin Luther King Jr. federal holiday. The opinion declared that any state actions recognizing racial disparities are “presumptively unconstitutional” under both federal and state law.
Uthmeier’s opinion included an appendix listing more than 80 state laws referencing minority preferences, race-based state action, and affirmative action in state hiring and contracting. The comprehensive list highlighted the scope of existing programs that could face legal challenges under the attorney general’s interpretation.
Campaign Context
Jolly’s proposal represents a direct contrast to current state policies regarding civil rights and diversity programs. The former congressman’s appearance in Fort Myers was part of his ongoing campaign for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination ahead of the November election.
The Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus gathering provided Jolly with a platform to address concerns about voting access and civil rights protections in a state where such programs have faced increasing restrictions under Republican leadership.
