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Florida’s Black lawmakers denounce attorney general’s opinion as damaging political stunt
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier refuses to enforce about 80 race-based laws citing 14th Amendment violations, sparking calls for his removal by Black Democratic lawmakers.
- In a Monday opinion, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said he will no longer enforce or defend Florida laws and programs supporting Black and other minority businesses, citing the Fourteenth Amendment.
- By invoking the Fourteenth Amendment, the attorney general claims around 80 Florida laws and programs mandate discrimination based on race, including minority business loan and contract set-aside programs.
- On Thursday, members of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus denounced the opinion, and Democratic state lawmakers called it a political stunt risking harm to Black residents.
- Given his recent appointment and background, critics argue James Uthmeier, named attorney general last year by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis and running for election this year, should be removed if he ignores existing laws, State Sen. Mack Bernard said.
- In context, civil rights advocates argue Florida's Jim Crow history matters as opponents call the opinion a deliberate dismantling of practices that protect Floridians through civil rights laws.
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Black lawmakers oppose Uthmeier’s decision not to enforce state anti-discrimination laws
AG Uthmeier said about 80 laws that provide racial preferences or quotas are unconstitutional, and he will not enforce them, prompting objections from Black state lawmakers.
·Orlando, United States
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Black Democrats blast AG Uthmeier’s attack on affirmative action
Rep. RaShon Young, D-Orlando, speaking in the Capitol on Jan. 22, 2026. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)Three days after Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier observed Martin Luther King Jr. Dayby declaring in an advisory legal opinion that more than 80 state laws aimed at protecting minority employees and businesses are no longer valid, Black Democratic lawmakers protested during a press conference in the rotunda of the state Capitol on…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left7Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 44%
C 56%
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