Florida's Individual Freedom (or Stop “the Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees” (W.O.K.E)) Act, Upheld

 A temporary court order intended to maintain the status quo or preliminary injunction was upheld by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit blocking enforcement of Florida's Individual Freedom Act.

 

The Act prohibits employers from requiring attendance at any training that "espouses (supports), promotes, advances, inculcates (instills), or compels the employee to believe" certain concepts related to race, color, sex, or national origin that legislators find offensive.  This Act went into effect on July 1, 2022.

 

Following this decision, state officials may not enforce the Act against employers. Florida has 14 days from the entry of the Eleventh Circuit’s decision to petition for a rehearing by the full circuit. In a statement, the Florida governor’s office said the state is reviewing all options for a potential appeal. It did not offer any insight into the state’s next steps.

 

The Compliance Department will follow developments regarding this Act.

 

Source: JacksonLewis, received on March 7, 2024.