2023 Laws Aim to Eliminate “Woke” Policies in Education: University of Florida Cuts DEI Office

2024-03-02 19:16:00
Laws of 2023 seek to eliminate so-called “woke” policies in the educational field. (Infobae file)

The University of Florida made the decision to eliminate its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) office, as well as jobs associated with the program and any contracts related to this area. This measure responds to a regulatory change by the Florida Board of Governors, promoted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, as reported by NBC 6 South Florida.

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The scoop was given by journalist Christopher Rufo, who disclosed, through his social networks, an email sent by the rector and senior vice president of academic affairs of the university institution.

“To comply with Florida Board of Governors Regulation 9.016 on prohibited expenditures, the University of Florida has closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated administrative positions and appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with third-party vendors.” , reads the email.

The University of Florida pledges to remain committed to universal human dignity. (@realchrisrufo/X)

“The Office of the Chief Financial Officer will reallocate the approximately $5 million in funds – previously reported to Tallahassee for DEI expenses, including salaries and expenses – to a teacher hiring fund,” the email continues.

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The Gainesville-based institution also said staff affected by job cuts will receive 12 weeks of pay and will be encouraged to apply for other vacancies by April 19. In total, 13 jobs will be eliminated, in addition to administrative appointments for the diversity department, which will affect 15 faculty members, officials said.

Despite the abolition of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program, three senior University of Florida officials stated in the memo that the institution will continue to be committed to what they described as “our commitment to universal human dignity.”

University of Florida DEI Office funds redirected to faculty hiring. (capture of FIU website)

“By educating our students through active participation in a wide range of ideas and perspectives, we will continue to promote a community based on trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation,” the memo said, referring to the Gator Nation’s mascot. institution.

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Additionally, it was mentioned that the USD 5 million previously allocated to the DEI program will be redirected to a fund for hiring teachers. The University of Florida has a student population that exceeds 55,000, according to its official website.

Measure promoted by Ron DeSantis affects jobs and diversity contracts. (EFE/ Michael Reynolds)

The legislation passed in 2023 and backed by DeSantis, at the time preparing for a failed presidential bid, was one of several measures designed to end what he called “woke” policies in education, including critical theory. of race and DEI.

Previous DEI guidance adopted by state education authorities states that state universities are prohibited from “using state or federal funds to administer programs that classify individuals based on race or sex for the purpose of providing differential or preferential treatment.” .

The governor of Florida celebrated the decision on his social networks. “DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities. I am glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow its example,” he wrote on his X account, formerly known as Twitter.

Ron DeSantis celebrates the abolition of the DEI program at the University of Florida. (@GovRonDeSantis/X)

For their part, DEI advocates argue that these offices help ensure equality and representation for people of different races, genders, and disabilities.

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