Delray Beach officials say a new state law restricting local government support for DEI-related activities prevents the city from hosting its annual parade and Pride festival.
Florida’s ongoing campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is having an unexpected consequence: putting a longtime St. Patrick’s Day tradition in jeopardy.
Delray Beach officials announced that the city would not organize, fund or promote its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade or Pride festival in 2027, citing a new state law restricting local governments from supporting certain DEI-related activities.
The legislation, Senate Bill 1134, was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April and takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. It prohibits municipalities and counties from funding, promoting or taking official action related to certain DEI initiatives, including programming connected to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.
According to WPBF, city officials determined that the law prevented them from continuing to sponsor the two celebrations. The decision sparked frustration among residents, many of whom consider the parade an important community tradition.
“It’s ridiculous,” resident Randy Biro told WPBF, questioning whether other community celebrations could eventually face similar restrictions.
The situation carries a particular irony given Florida’s broader political campaign against DEI, which has included restrictions on diversity programs at public colleges and universities and contentious battles over how race and Black history are discussed in educational settings.
There is, however, a specific exemption in the legislation for government recognition of certain officially designated holidays, including federal holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth. That carve-out does not create a blanket exemption for events celebrating Black history or other cultural heritage observances. Instead, it distinguishes between recognition of designated holidays and other cultural programming that municipalities might otherwise support.
Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney has indicated that the city is working with outside organizations to ensure the 2027 celebration goes forward.
“The St. Patrick’s Day Parade isn’t just another parade. It’s ingrained in the DNA of the Delray Beach community,” Carney wrote.
As Florida continues its fight against DEI, the controversy raises a larger question: When government decides which cultural celebrations it can officially support, where does that leave everyone else?
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