Abstract

In the eyes of many conservatives, sociology and critical race theory are virtually indistinguishable. As a result, sociology has become a lightning rod in the culture wars. In January 2024, the state of Florida eliminated sociology as a core course at its universities. In his defense of the decision, Florida education commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr., wrote: “Sociology has been hijacked by left-wing activists and no longer serves its intended purpose as a general knowledge course for students. Under Governor DeSantis, Florida’s higher education system will focus on preparing students for high-demand, high-wage jobs, not woke ideology” (Hartocollis). In invoking the term “woke ideology,” he gestured approvingly to the... Read More.