The NAACP asked Black student-athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in the state of Florida, in response to the University of Florida and other state schools recently eliminating their diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
In a letter sent Monday to NCAA President Charlie Baker and addressed to current and prospective student-athletes, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson wrote: “This is not about politics. This is about about the protection of our community, the progress of our culture and Above all, it is about your education and your future.
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting the use of state funds for any DEI programs. As a result, the University of Florida announced on March 1 that it had closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated 13 full-time DEI positions and 15 administrative appointments, and stopped DEI-focused contracts with third-party vendors.
Other schools in the state, such as North Florida and Florida International, have also recently closed DEI programs.
NFL Hall of Famer and Florida great Emmitt Smith also spoke: expressing displeasure at UF's decision and asking UF minority athletes to “be aware and voice their opinion” about the decision.
In a statement, Johnson said: “Diversity, equity and inclusion are critical to ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes. The value that Black and other college athletes bring to great universities is unparalleled. If these institutions cannot invest completely on those athletes, It's time for them to take their talents elsewhere.
