Florida universities are adapting to a new state law from 2023 which prohibits the allocation of public funds towards diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education institutions.
Institutions like the University of Central Florida, University of Florida, New College of Florida, and the University of South Florida have restructured their programs to comply with the law while still supporting diverse student populations. This approach could guide other universities in Florida and across the country in adapting to similar legislation.
Courtney Gilmartin, Assistant VP of Strategic Initiatives and Communications at UCF, shed some light on UCF’s strategies and compliance measures prior to this new state law. She stated, “Prior to the passing of Senate Bill 266 and BOG Regulation 9.016, UCF had already initiated an approach to refocus our resources on increasing access to opportunity for our students, while also supporting civil discourse and community engagement programming across the university. This was an important priority for leadership as UCF directs limited resources toward increasing our 4-year graduation rates to achieve the state designation of preeminence. These previous efforts meant that UCF was largely in compliance with the law and BOG regulation when they took effect, and programs and expenditures not permitted under the law have been discontinued”.
Gilmartin also commented on all the steps taken under the discontinuation of programs and expenditures not permitted under the law. She stated, “Now, a refocused unit, Access and Community Engagement, continues our efforts to support access programs and non-traditional student populations such as first-generation college students, military and veteran students, students with disabilities and varied abilities, and students with limited resources. We no longer have a Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and we have eliminated vacant positions related to diversity training. Student fee-funded initiatives run out of Student Government are omitted from new legislation, so programs run by students may remain in effect and are supervised by the new Access and Community Engagement staff”.
Gilmartin ended with an optimistic comment regarding UCF’s commitment to overall excellence. She told Knight News, “As part of the State University System funded by the people of Florida, UCF remains committed to pursuing excellence for our students, faculty, and staff while also following the spirit and letter of the laws and regulations passed by the elected and appointed leaders of our state”.
UCF is not the only school to take action on this new law. Last month, the University of Florida discontinued 28 roles associated with its DEI department. Similarly, New College of Florida has also made cuts in this area.
Nathan March, Director of Communications & Athletics Public Information Officer at New College of Florida, stated “New College is the blueprint other colleges/universities are following now, not just in Florida but across the country. We abolished our DEI bureaucracy more than a year ago. Additionally, we’ve already delivered proof of the benefits from this course of action. Enrollment is up, and our number of black and hispanic students have risen significantly since we replaced DEI with real equality”.
Additionally, in February 2023, the University of South Florida stopped its recruitment for a Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and recently announced the closure of its DEI department.
Althea Johnson, Director of Media Relations at the University of South Florida, stated “The University of South Florida continues to evaluate programs and campus activities to ensure compliance with Senate Bill 266 and the recently approved Florida Board of Governors regulation. As part of this process, USF has phased out the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. USF remains committed to providing access and opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience a sense of belonging and offering resources that support the success of our students, faculty and staff“.
To align with state legislation and regulations set by the Florida Board of Governors, the University of South Florida has gradually discontinued its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The five employees previously stationed in this office have been reassigned to other positions within the university.
