Judge permanently blocks part of Florida's 'Stop WOKE Act' as unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds

A federal judge on Friday permanently blocked part of Florida's "Stop Woke Act" that was pushed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and other GOP lawmakers to ban critical race theory training in the workplace and in education.

Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker granted a permanent injunction against the part of the law that prohibited race-related training in private workplaces, ruling that the 2022 law violated the First Amendment.

The "Stop Wrongs To Our Kids and Employees Act," otherwise known as the "Stop WOKE Act," sought to ban teachings or business practices that tell individuals that members of one ethnic group are inherently racist and should feel guilty of past actions committed by people of that ethnic group. 

It also prohibits pushing the idea that a person was either privileged or oppressed based on their race or gender. The law further bars the notion that discrimination is acceptable to achieve diversity.

FEDERAL APPEALS COURT BLOCKS PART OF DESANTIS' 'STOP WOKE ACT' ON CONSTITUTIONAL GROUNDS

It said a mandated 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," citing eight race-related concepts.

"[This is] a powerful reminder that the First Amendment cannot be warped to serve the interests of elected officials," read a statement from counsel Shalini Goel Agarwal of Protect Democracy, which represented the plaintiffs in this case.

The portion of the law focused on education is unaffected by the ruling.

DeSantis has often referred to the law when saying that Florida was where "woke goes to die."

FEDERAL JUDGE HANDS DESANTIS ADMIN WIN OVER 'STOP WOKE ACT'

Walker previously issued a preliminary injunction in 2022 when he ruled the workplace portion of the law unconstitutional on First Amendment grounds, and the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that ruling in March.

Separately, Walker has also issued a preliminary injunction against the part of the law that would restrict how race-related concepts can be taught in Florida's colleges and universities, according to Fox 35. An appeals court panel held a hearing in that case last month.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Meghan Markle steps up Hollywood networking with Kimberly Williams-Paisley lunch, reported Hamptons trip

Meghan Markle was spotted out with a Hollywood gal pal.

Markle and Kimberly Williams-Paisley had lunch together on Sunday at Tre Lune in Montecito, California.

"They had a lovely experience, chatting and laughing together," a source told People magazine. "The pair was low-key and was left unbothered by the other guests."

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While it's unclear when Markle and Williams-Paisley first met, the two have a lot in common.

Both graduated from Northwestern University, with Williams-Paisley earning her degree in 1993 and Markle in 2003. The two are also familiar with the Hollywood scene with their acting careers.

Williams-Paisley landed her breakout role in "Father of the Bride" in 1991. The actress is also known for roles in "We Are Marshall" and on TV's "According to Jim."

Markle famously was a briefcase girl during season two of "Deal or No Deal." She went on to star on "Suits" and is also known for her smaller roles in the films "Horrible Bosses," along with "Remember Me."

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These two ladies also have husbands who are famous in their own right. 

Williams-Paisley married country music superstar Brad Paisley in 2003. They have two sons: William and Jasper. Markle married Prince Harry in 2018. They also have two children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. 

Markle and Prince Harry have been putting down roots in the U.S. after leaving behind royal life in 2020. Markle hasn't returned to the U.K. since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in September 2022. She attended the funeral with Prince Harry, but left their children in the U.S.

Many have speculated that Harry and Meghan might make a return to the U.K. together, but according to reports, that's not happening any time soon.

Meanwhile, Markle jet-setted to the Hamptons on Friday to join a group of high-powered women at a summit to reportedly learn tips for her new lifestyle business, American Riviera Orchard, according to Page Six. Gwyneth Paltrow and Reese Witherspoon were among the star-studded names believed to be at the event, the outlet reported. 

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Harry has returned to the U.K. for a number of events while Markle stayed behind. He attended King Charles III's coronation, and also saw his father after the king was diagnosed with cancer.

Prince Harry's trip to England following the cancer diagnosis was short, a royal expert told Fox News Digital at the time.

"He was there for 24 hours, he saw his father for 45 minutes, he flew — and announced to the press — after the king’s statement was released, even though we later heard that he was told beforehand, and he didn’t see his sister-in-law or nieces and nephews even though they are also dealing with a traumatic health recovery," Shannon Felton Spence explained. "It’s hard to view it as anything other than an image saver for Harry. And that pains me, because I was really hoping this was the news he needed to wake him up and fix it."

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Although things haven't been the best between Prince Harry and his family, the Duke of Sussex is reportedly set to receive an inheritance left behind by his great-grandmother on his 40th birthday, Sept. 15. The Queen Mother was 101 when she died and allegedly dumped two-thirds of her estimated $120 million fortune into a trust at the time.

The Duke of Sussex will receive $8.5 million for his share, according to the U.K.'s Mirror. The total is reportedly more than the portion Prince William received on his own 40th birthday.

"It seems Prince Harry has drawn the lucky straw when it comes to the trust," British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital. "The difference in the allocation of monies is attributed to what is thought to be Prince William and Prince Harry’s future financial prospects."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for comment.