*NFL legend Emmitt Smith, an alumnus of the University of Florida, advises college athletes to speak up against his alma mater’s decision to shut down its diversity, equity, and inclusion office.
The University of Florida closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, “eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors,” according to an administrative memo released Friday.
In 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis approved a law prohibiting schools from utilizing state funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The Florida Board of Governors supported the bill. Per ABC News, the board defines DEI as “any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification.”
Smith condemned the university’s politically motivated decision to do away with its DEI office.
“I’m utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets. Without the DEI department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs,” he said in a statement on Twitter on Sunday (March 3), Revolt reports.
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) March 3, 2024
Smith added, “We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case. We need diverse thinking and backgrounds to enhance our university, and the DEI department is necessary to accomplish those goals.”
Smith called on “the many minority athletes at UF” and urged them to “please be aware and vocal about this decision by the university, [which] is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight,” he said.
He continued, “And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the sidelines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.”
Smith accused the university of conforming “to the political pressure of today’s time.”
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