University of Florida Fires DEI Staff Amid Controversy Over State Law

The University of Florida becomes the first college to dismiss all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) employees in compliance with a new law signed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Previously, the university allocated $5 million to facilitate DEI initiatives but announced on Friday a redirection of these funds to a faculty recruitment pool.

Governor DeSantis expressed his approval of the university’s decision through his official social media platform. “DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities. I’m glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit,” he tweeted.

In contrast, state Democrats reacted with outrage and dismay. State Rep. Yvonne Hinson remarked, “I am stunned but not surprised at the elimination of DEI staff at University of Florida, my Alma Mater.” She added, “The culture wars engaged in the Republican-dominated Florida House of Representatives will continue until Floridians have had enough and develop the will and determination to flip the majority in the Florida House.”

Rep. Dianne Hart criticized the move, stating, “When will we stop with these made-up culture wars that are literally costing people their livelihoods?” She added, “We can’t call ourselves the ‘free State of Florida’ when children aren’t free to learn the truth of their history, and see the diversity of humanity.”

In July, a report accused the University of Florida of underreporting its DEI efforts to mask the extent of its support for radicalism on campus. During the same period, DEI experts and activists voiced concern over declining interest and investment in their political agenda by companies and corporations.

“2020 was the year that we were definitely making strides — but there wasn’t any strategy, there wasn’t any plan,” stated business strategist Kim Crayton. One estimate indicated that DEI investment surged to as much as $3.5 billion in 2020.

“It was a PR moment — corporate blackface,” Crayton remarked. “I told people at the time: ‘White guilt isn’t going to last.’”

Several companies accused of retracting their support for DEI initiatives included Disney, Netflix, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Warner Bros. Discovery.