NAACP Urges Black Student Athletes to Reconsider PWI Universities in Florida

The NAACP has sent a letter to current and prospective members of the NCAA, calling for Black student athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in Florida. The letter comes following recent news that the University of Florida had dismantled its DEI department at the direction of the DeSantis administration's Stop WOKE Act. The bill, which was passed last year, prohibits the use of state funds for any diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. While the University of Florida has been the first to follow the directive, Florida is home to some of the nation's largest public universities, many of whom rely on Black talent recruited to their athletics programs.

Read that letter below:

NAACP Urges Student Athlete... by George L. Cook III

Congressional Black Caucus Issues Statement on University of Florida decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement on the University of Florida decision to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices:

“The decision today by the University of Florida to eliminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion offices and to fire staff focused on creating a more inclusive learning environment, is far out of step with the standards and values expected of a public institution of higher education that is a member of the American Association of Universities, and which receives its accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“Contrary to Governor DeSantis’ claim that ‘DEI is toxic’, it is intolerance that is toxic. Since the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action, DEI programs have come under attack on college campuses, in the corporate sector and beyond – this being the latest example. The University of Florida, as a public institution that receives federal funding, should be evaluated for potential civil rights violations.”