University of Florida Abolishes All DEI Roles in Light of Recent State Regulations

The University of Florida has removed all positions similar to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as stated in an administrative memorandum released on Friday.

This action acknowledges the latest state regulations prohibiting the use of public funds for DEI programs, activities, and policies within the public college system.

University of Florida Eliminates DEI Roles

The Florida Board of Governors required this constraint in January, following a related ban by the Florida Board of Education.

The memo outlines the closure of the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, the elimination of DEI positions and administrative appointments, and the cessation of DEI-focused contracts with external vendors.

The Board of Governors defines DEI as any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, and promotes differential or preferential treatment on such grounds.

While DEI practices aim to address organizational inequities, the Board's restriction also defines political or social activism as any activity organized to effect or prevent government policy changes or achieve desired results related to social issues where the university endorses or promotes a position.

Read Also: IRS Commissioner Confirms Child Tax Credit Refunds Will Be Sent Within Weeks

Florida Bans Use of Taxpayers' Money for DEI Programs 

The President of the United Faculty of Florida union, Andrew Gothard, criticizes the legislation as censorship and exclusion, asserting that it silences students and faculty.

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. supports the rules, stating they prevent the use of taxpayers' money for DEI and radical indoctrination that promotes division.

This move follows a judge's decision to temporarily block the "Stop WOKE" Act, backed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which aimed to restrict race-related curriculum in educational institutions.

The university employees affected by the elimination will receive standard twelve weeks of pay and are encouraged to apply for other positions within the university. Approximately $5 million will be reallocated into a faculty recruitment fund.

According to the regulation, DEI is defined as any program, campus activity, or policy that categorizes individuals based on race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation, promoting differential or preferential treatment.

The $5 million allocated for UF's DEI initiatives, covering salaries and expenses, will now be redirected to a retirement fund for the faculty.

The memo, signed by J. Scott Angle, Amy Meyers Hass, and Melissa Curry, expresses the university's commitment to universal human dignity.

It emphasizes fostering a community of trust and respect while upholding the institution's elite status through the dedication of its faculty to teaching, discovering, and serving.

Governor DeSantis praises the decision, claiming DEI is toxic and has no place in public universities. However, Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford criticizes the decision, describing it as out of step, and challenges DeSantis's characterization of DEI as toxic.

The National Association of Diversity in Higher Education (NADOHE) President and CEO, Paulette Granbury Russell, expresses concern that students will suffer from the loss of jobs within the DEI department at the University of Florida, calling the legislation archaic and intended to further marginalize historically marginalized groups.

NADOHE vows to continue speaking out against these attacks on DEI.

Related Article: Tax Relief Bill for Workers and Families Expand Provisions for Disaster-Affected Individuals With Specific Exclusions from Gross Income