Florida Gov. DeSantis Promises to Defend Parents at School Board Meetings Against DOJ

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis answers questions related to school openings and the wearing of masks, in Surfside, Fla., on Aug. 10, 2021. Marta Lavandier/AP Photo

Following a Department of Justice announcement Monday that it would direct the FBI to mobilize against parents who allegedly threaten teachers and school board members, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promised that the state would defend parents amid GOP outcry against the move.

“Attorney General Garland is weaponizing the DOJ by using the FBI to pursue concerned parents and silence them through intimidation,” DeSantis wrote. “Florida will defend the free speech rights of its citizens and will not allow federal agents to squelch dissent.”