The University of Florida released 13 full-time employees, eliminated the office of Chief Diversity Officer, canceled all DEI contracts with outside vendors, and eliminated 15 administrative appointments for faculty were ended, according to a memo Friday.
“To comply with the Florida Board of Governor’s regulation 9.016 on prohibited expenditures, the University of Florida has closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors,” said UF in a memo.
In May of 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a measure aimed at prohibiting colleges and universities from spending money on “DEI” programs.
Read: Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill Making 2006 Jeffrey Epstein Grand Jury Files Public
The governor also signed a separate bill preventing colleges and universities from requiring “political loyalty” tests for students and employees as a condition of admission or employment.
“In reality, what this concept of DEI has been is an attempt to impose orthodoxy on the university. And not even necessarily in the classroom, but through the administrative apparatus of the university itself,” DeSantis said at the time.
Under the DEI-related bill (SB 266), colleges and universities will be prevented from spending state or federal money to promote, support, or maintain programs or campus activities that “advocate for” diversity, equity, and inclusion. Schools also will not be able to spend money on programs or activities that “promote or engage in political or social activism” as defined by the State Board of Education or the university system’s Board of Governors.
In the memo issued Friday, UF said, “The University of Florida is – and will always be – unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity. As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation.”
The full text of the memo:
“To comply with the Florida Board of Governor’s regulation 9.016 on prohibited expenditures, the University of Florida has closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors.
Under the direction of UF Human Resources, university employees whose positions were eliminated will receive UF’s standard twelve weeks of pay. These colleagues are allowed and encouraged to apply, between now and Friday, April 19, for expedited consideration for different positions currently posted with the university. UF HR will work to fast-track the interview process and provide an answer on all applications within the twelve-week window.
Additionally, 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 expenditures — into a faculty recruitment fund to be administered by the Office of the Provost.
“Finally, the University of Florida is – and will always be – unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity. As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation. The University of Florida is an elite institution because of our incredible faculty who are committed to teaching, discovering, and serving.“
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