DeSantis Cuts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs at Florida State University

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a bill blocking public universities from using federal or state funding for diversity programs, ahead of the Republican governor’s expected presidential run. addressed conservative concerns.

The law, proposed by DeSantis earlier this year, comes as Republicans across the country target programs on diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

The signature builds on the governor’s greater push to shape Florida’s education system through regulating how schools deal with subjects such as race and gender, and Mr. He argued that he challenged a proper liberal ideology.

DeSantis, who is expected to announce his presidential run in the coming weeks, has focused on divisive cultural issues to win over conservative voters who typically decide Republican primaries.

The Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Higher Education often leads services that are tailored to students of different races, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, and abilities. Some university administrators also consider the so-called DEI factor when deciding which students to enroll, offer scholarships, and which faculty to recruit and promote.

The law prohibits public universities from diverting state or federal funds for programs or campus activities that advocate diversity, equity, or inclusion, or promote political or social activism. .

“In effect, this concept of the DEI seeks to impose legitimacy on universities,” DeSantis said at the bill-signing ceremony in Sarasota. “This is basically being used as a front for imposing an ideological policy, which is wrong.”

The measure also recognizes that “identity politics” or “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the U.S. system and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequalities.” Curriculum that teaches the theory of The provision is intended to curtail education on critical race theory, a way of thinking about U.S. history through the lens of racism.

As a sign of DeSantis’ commitment to the field of education, he chose to sign the bill in New College, Florida. The New College, a small, traditionally progressive school, became nationally known this year when the governor appointed a group of conservatives to its board of trustees. Among the first moves of DeSantis’ appointees were the abolition of the New College’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

The acquisition has sparked backlash among students at New College, long known for its progressive thinking and offering creative courses that don’t use traditional grades.

A small group of protesters gathered outside the signing ceremony on Monday. DeSantis, as well as most of the speakers at the event, ridiculed them.

“As you know, I saw some of the demonstrators. I was a little disappointed. I expected more,” DeSantis said with a smile as supporters applauded.

Democratic Senator Shevrin Jones released a statement after the bill was signed, saying the law continues DeSantis’ “overreach” on education.

“Education should be about teaching children how to think about problems, not how to think about problems,” Jones said. “Exposure to a wide range of experiences and fresh perspectives fosters understanding and creativity. By restricting what students can learn, the state actively suppresses their academic and intellectual freedom.”

https://www.voanews.com/a/desantis-curtails-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-programs-in-florida-state-colleges/7095062.html DeSantis Cuts Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs at Florida State University

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