University of Florida Eliminates Diversity and Inclusion Office Due to Legislation led by Republican Party

The University of Florida has decided to eliminate the chief diversity officer position, cut staff jobs related to the program, and stop any contracts associated with diversity due to a new law signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last year.

In a memo released on Friday, the university in Gainesville, Florida, announced that employees whose positions were eliminated will receive 12 weeks of pay and are encouraged to apply for other roles by April 19. The move affects 13 staff jobs and removes administrative appointments to the diversity office for 15 faculty members.

Despite the termination of the DEI program, three senior UF officials stated in the memo that the institution remains committed to upholding universal human dignity.

The memo also emphasized the school’s commitment to fostering a community of trust and respect for all members of the Gator Nation, the university’s mascot.

Furthermore, the $5 million allocated for the DEI program will now be directed to a faculty recruitment fund. The University of Florida boasts a student population of over 55,000.

The legislation, signed into law by DeSantis in 2023, targeted what he referred to as “woke” policies in education, including critical race theory and DEI.

DEI supporters argue that diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are essential for ensuring equality and representation for individuals of various races, genders, and disabilities.

DeSantis, in a statement on social media, praised the elimination of DEI, calling it “toxic” and asserting that it has no place in public universities.

Democrats, however, perceive the move as an misguided attempt to address a non-existent issue.

The Associated Press analysis reveals that more Republican-led legislatures, following Florida and Texas, are introducing approximately 50 similar anti-DEI bills this year.

The new law will impact all public colleges and universities in Florida with DEI programs, as seen with the abolishment of the DEI office at New College of Florida in Sarasota.