Florida Settles Lawsuit Over “Stop WOKE Act” for $725,000 in Legal Fees
A court filing Tuesday revealed that the state of Florida has agreed to pay $725,000 in legal fees and costs to businesses that successfully challenged part of a 2022 law dubbed the “Stop WOKE Act” by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Background
The lawsuit was filed in response to the law, which placed restrictions on addressing race-related issues in workplace training. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker issued a preliminary injunction against the restrictions in 2022, citing free-speech grounds. A panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the preliminary injunction in March, and Walker issued a permanent injunction in July.
Settlement Reached
A court filing Tuesday said the state and the plaintiffs reached a settlement on November 4 on attorney fees and other legal costs. Chief Judge Walker quickly issued an order directing the parties to comply with the settlement.
Attorney Fees and Costs
The plaintiffs’ attorneys, from the international law firm Ropes & Gray LLP and the non-profit group Protect Democracy, had filed a motion in September seeking $749,642 in fees and $41,144 in additional costs related to the lengthy legal battle. The settlement amount of $725,000 is slightly lower than the requested amount.
The Stop WOKE Act
The law, officially known as the “Stop Wrongs To Our Kids and Employees Act,” drew fierce debate in 2022 before being approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature. The law put restrictions on workplace training, listing eight race-related concepts and stating that a required training program or other activity that “espouses, promotes, advances, inculcates, or compels such individual (an employee) to believe any of the following concepts constitutes discrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin.”
Conclusion
The settlement marks the end of a lengthy legal battle over the “Stop WOKE Act.” The law was widely criticized for restricting free speech and addressing race-related issues in the workplace. The settlement amount of $725,000 is a significant acknowledgment of the plaintiffs’ legal fees and costs, and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting free speech and addressing systemic issues in the workplace.
FAQs
Q: What was the “Stop WOKE Act”?
A: The “Stop WOKE Act” was a 2022 law in Florida that placed restrictions on addressing race-related issues in workplace training.
Q: What was the lawsuit about?
A: The lawsuit was filed by businesses that successfully challenged part of the law, arguing that it violated their free-speech rights.
Q: What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
A: The lawsuit resulted in a permanent injunction against the restrictions on workplace training, and the state of Florida agreed to pay $725,000 in legal fees and costs to the plaintiffs.
Q: What does this mean for the future of workplace training?
A: The settlement marks the end of a lengthy legal battle, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting free speech and addressing systemic issues in the workplace. It may also influence future legislation and policies related to workplace training and free speech.
