On July 7, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld a federal court's injunction barring Florida from enforcing the higher-education provisions of the Stop W.O.K.E. Act. These provisions restricted what professors at Florida's public colleges and universities could teach in their classrooms, including topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion. The court reaffirmed that academic freedom and the First Amendment protect the open exchange of ideas in our public universities.
Many of the restrictions created uncertainty for schools of social work and faculty members attempting to meet CSWE accreditation requirements while complying with state law. This placed programs in an incredibly difficult position and raised legitimate concerns about the long-term strength and integrity of social work education in our state. Yesterday's ruling is a tremendous victory because it helps remove that uncertainty.
Our legislative team will continue to monitor the response from Governor DeSantis' Administration, as Florida can ask the full 11th Circuit to reconsider or seek review from the U.S. Supreme Court. Yet this current ruling allows Florida's schools of social work to teach the knowledge, competencies, and professional values required for CSWE accreditation.
We want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of this decision. Social work education must continue to foster thoughtful discussion, critical thinking, and the open exchange of ideas. It is through these conversations that students learn to understand the diverse lived experiences and intersectionality of the people and communities they will serve. They learn to examine research, theories, policies, and practice models through a critical lens, asking important questions about how systems can create greater opportunities, safety, well-being, and access.
Discussing diversity, equity, inclusion, culture, bias, and systemic barriers is not harmful, discriminatory, or disruptive. These conversations are fundamental to preparing ethical, competent practitioners who are equipped to meet people where they are and uphold the values of our profession. They strengthen our ability to listen, understand, advocate, and provide effective services in an increasingly diverse and complex society.
The courts agreed, and today, we celebrate a significant milestone. This is a victory for Florida's schools of social work. It is a victory for the social work faculty in Florida. It is a victory for current and future social work students attending our universities. Most importantly, it is a victory for our Florida clients and communities who deserve well-prepared, highly qualified social workers.