Richard Corcoran

Former Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran won't have to testify in a challenge to a 2021 law that requires surveys of “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity” on college and university campuses.

As education commissioner, Corcoran helped oversee the state college system. After he stepped down as education commissioner, the governor appointed him to the Board of Governors.

While Corcoran was overseeing Florida’s public-school and college systems he was a close ally of DeSantis on contentious issues such as efforts to prevent school districts from enacting mask requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Hialeah Republican has served in the Florida Legislature since 2012.

DeSantis cites Diaz's efforts to help pass several education reforms since he became governor in 2019.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, the State Board of Education, the state Department of Education and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran are named as defendants, along with the school boards in Manatee, Sarasota, Miami-Dade, St. Johns and Jackson counties.

DeSantis said parents, not teachers, should be broaching subjects of sexual orientation and gender identity with their children.

The bill requires school districts to allow parents to have input in selecting library books and other instructional materials.

The program launched in 2017 and was initially set to expire in June 2020. After extending into this school year because of COVID-19 restrictions, the pilot program will receive another extension and continue next year.

He says the funds will help close achievement gaps and boost student resiliency, especially after pandemic slowdowns.

Governor Ron DeSantis said the change will allow teachers and parents to check in on students before the year is over.

Sen. Manny Diaz, a Miami Republican with strong charter school ties, has routinely been mentioned as a favorite to succeed Corcoran.