UCF has now removed statements about expressing the need for anti-racism after house bill HB7 went into effect on July 1.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed what he is referring to as the “Stop WOKE Act” which will limit the teachings of race and Critical Race Theory that would make students feel they bear personal guilt and responsibility for mistreatment of particular groups of individuals based on their race, color or sex.
Shelley Park, a professor of Philosophy at UCF said she was disappointed with the removal of these messages from the department’s website as Park believed the statement, “stood behind diversity, equity and inclusivity — which didn’t used to be such a radical thing to say.
Assistant Vice President Chad Binette said the removal of the statements were due to the statements being seen as creating a potential unwelcoming environment for all the University’s faculty and students.
“The university recently removed some departmental statements that could be seen as potentially inconsistent with our commitment to creating a welcoming environment — one where faculty objectively engage students in robust, scholarly discussions that expand their knowledge and empower them to freely express their views and form their own perspectives,” Binette said. “UCF is committed to building a culture that values respect, civil discourse, and creating a sense of belonging,” Binette said. “In an effort to more clearly communicate that commitment, we will be working with departments to ensure statements better align with our university values.”
Ann Gleig, a religious studies professor for UCF said that the removal of the statement is unfair after the Philosophy department crafted the message after the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in the summer of 2020.
“This is a complete infringement of academic freedom,” Gleig said. “The statement was crafted over a period of time with dialogue and input across a twenty person plus faculty trained in philosophy, religion and cultural studies and the humanities.”
