The University of Florida (UF) has announced the elimination of its chief diversity officer position and the discontinuation of staff roles within the diversity program, citing a new law enacted last year, championed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.
In a memo released on Friday, UF, located in Gainesville, Florida, stated that employees affected by the restructuring will receive 12 weeks of pay and are encouraged to seek alternative positions within the university by April 19. The decision affects 13 staff positions and also strips administrative appointments to the diversity office for 15 faculty members, according to university officials.
Despite the termination of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, three senior UF officials emphasized in the memo that the institution remains committed to upholding “our commitment to universal human dignity.”
“As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging in a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation,” the memo stated, referring to the university’s mascot.
Furthermore, the $5 million allocated for the DEI program will now be redirected to a faculty recruitment fund. UF boasts a student population of over 55,000, according to its website.
The legislation, passed in 2023 and signed into law by Governor DeSantis during his presidential bid, forms part of a broader effort to dismantle what he perceives as “woke” policies in education, including critical race theory and DEI initiatives.
DEI guidelines adopted by state education authorities earlier prohibit state colleges and universities from using public funds to administer programs that categorize individuals based on race or sex for preferential treatment. Supporters of DEI initiatives argue that such programs are essential for promoting equality and representation across diverse communities.
In a statement on social media platform X, Governor DeSantis labeled DEI as “toxic” and asserted that it has no place in public universities. He expressed satisfaction that Florida led the way in eliminating DEI and encouraged other states to follow suit.
However, Democrats view these actions as disconnected attempts to address non-existent issues.
“I am stunned but not surprised at the elimination of DEI staff at University of Florida, my alma mater,” remarked Democratic state Representative Yvonne Hayes Hinson. “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.”
Following in the footsteps of Florida and Texas, several Republican-led state legislatures nationwide are introducing approximately 50 similar anti-DEI bills this year, according to a recent Associated Press analysis.
The ramifications of the new law are expected to extend to all public colleges and universities in Florida that have DEI programs. Last year, New College of Florida in Sarasota, where Governor DeSantis appointed a group of conservative trustees, voted to abolish its DEI office.