Disney v. DeSantis judge called Florida governor’s law ‘dystopian’

Disney Sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Over Oversight Board

By Tom Hals

When Florida Governor Ron DeSantis faces off against Walt Disney Co in court, he’ll be met with a familiar face – U.S. District Judge Mark Walker. Walker has previously struck down several laws that align with DeSantis’ conservative political agenda, including those that limit free speech and restrict voting access. Disney is suing DeSantis to block a state law that creates an oversight board, which the entertainment giant claims will interfere with planned development worth billions of dollars. The feud between the two began when Disney criticized a law signed by DeSantis that banned classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation for younger children. Disney alleges that the oversight board is punishment for opposing DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education Act.

Walker’s Rulings on Free Speech

Walker has been a central figure in several rulings against DeSantis, particularly those related to free speech. He blocked the Individual Freedom Act or Stop Woke Act, which limited the speech of college professors, calling it “positively dystopian.” He also blocked the Combating Public Disorder Act, which expanded the definition of “riot” and infringed on protesters’ right to free speech. Walker has said that Florida has become a place where the First Amendment allows, rather than prevents, the state from limiting speech.

DeSantis’ Mixed Record with Walker

While Walker has ruled against DeSantis in several cases, he has also sided with the governor and declined to block the execution of a death row inmate. He has also dismissed some claims against DeSantis over the Individual Freedom Act.

Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, it’s clear that the feud between Disney and DeSantis is far from over.