The University of Florida has announced the elimination of all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion employee positions. This change, announced in an emailed administrative memo, comes after the Florida Board of Governors designated expenditures related to DEI programs as prohibited.
University of Florida has closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments
In a memo, the university states that “to comply with the Florida Board of Governor’s regulation 9.016 on prohibited expenditures, the University of Florida has closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors.”
The Board of Regents 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 of individuals based on such classification.”
The regulation states that a state university “may not expend any state or federal funds to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities” that violate Florida Statutes Section 1000.05, advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, or promote or engage in political or social activism.
Florida Statute section 1000.05, known as the Florida Educational Equity Act, requires equal access and prohibits discrimination “on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status” against students and employees of the Florida K-20 public education system.
On Friday afternoon, Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities. I’m glad Florida was the first to eliminate DEI, and I hope other states follow suit.”
Employees who have been fired will receive the university’s standard 12-week pay period
Employees who have been fired will receive the university’s standard 12-week pay period, as directed by UF Human Resources. UF stated that these employees are encouraged to apply between March 1 and April 19 for expedited consideration for various positions currently available at the university. UF also stated that it will work to speed up the interview process for these employees and respond to all applications within 12 weeks.
State Representatives Dianne Hart (D-Tampa) and Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville) issued prepared statements condemning the firings.
“I am stunned but not surprised at the elimination of DEI staff at University of Florida, my Alma Matter,” Hinson said. “ The culture wars engaged in the Republican dominated Florida House of Representatives will continue until Floridians have had enough and develop the will and determination to flip the majority in the Florida House.”
Hart described the firings as “the most recent manifestation of the policies of an out-of-touch legislature, and a governor’s failed presidential bid.”
“When will we stop with these made-up culture wars that are literally costing people their livelihoods… In an effort to prevent ‘indoctrination’ in our classrooms, we have in turn created an education system that is built off lies, falsehoods, and deceptive history. We can’t call ourselves the ‘free State of Florida’ when children aren’t free to learn the truth of their history, and see the diversity of humanity,” she said.