To be fair arguments from silence work both ways. No good arguments have been made for why DEI should continue to exist in this thread either.
Sasse has spoken several times about ufs duty to the state given the large appropriation we receive each year. We received a record amount last year. Given that huge amount, and because of low tuition, how much Uf is dependent on that money (not including huge funding for Jacksonville) - the short answer is he will do what he’s gotta do to keep the state happy.
I mean, in this case, although I hate the outcome, his position is not unreasonable. Especially given how vindictive Tallahassee has been recently. Further, I mean, his boss Mori, wants the UF Jax campus to be the next big thing in higher ed, and UF can't even come close to accomplishing that mission without unwavering state support (especially from the BOG). So, you cut 15 people who are dead anyways, make a big public show about it to basically kiss the ring in Tally, and then go try to fight on some other issue that maybe you can win on. Again, the outcome sucks, but his options were limited. I don't think his thinking was illogical or mean-spirited. Although I think he is underestimating the fallout on the student and faculty side of things.
My perspective on that point goes quite a bit further than this issue. Sasse talks a big game, but he doesn't have the courage to stand up for his supposed principles when Tallahassee targets them. Yeah, you're not wrong that it wouldn't help him with funding, but isn't the point of principles to stand for them when it's inconvenient? Either way, maybe I'm underestimating how much money can compensate for optics, but I think you're going to have a hard time making UF Jax the next big thing when the perception around the university is that it's hostile to people of color and academic freedom. I'll also say that from my cursory research, it appears that these firings were overwhelmingly aimed at Black staff. That creates two big problems for UF: (1) potential racial discrimination lawsuits and (2) optics. If I'm somebody who wants to make the university look bad, I'm calculating what percentage of Black administrators they just fired and if it's noteworthy, telling that to every member of the media I know.
I think you're hitting on my underestimating the political fallout thing. It will certainly be interesting to see how it impacts all the things UF wants to do going forward.
DEI arose out of the black white aspect of race in this country. Now you have a much more diverse racial panoply. Indians Chinese Mid east African Hispanic populations which will soon be the majority of the college age population cohort. Plus the whole Binary gender role issue has left the DEI office looking for relevance.
Wow, that's like the opposite of the Cancel Culture that rules social media. That must be a SHOCK to those that want to deny people of lighter color skin from getting jobs. This is one huge reason why we must force a FAIR and HONEST meritocracy in ALL work places.
One question (and I honestly don't know the answer): What percentage of employees in the shuttered DEI office were minorities? If the office was closed in response to state law (i.e., no state or federal funding for it), then the racial makeup of those fired would've naturally aligned with whatever the percentage was in the total office staff. It may be that a significant percentage were minorities, but that doesn't mean it's a case of racial discrimination, does it? If the entire staff was white males, they should all be fired too I would think.
One of our most distinguished alum weighs in. Cowboys Legend Emmitt Smith 'Utterly Disgusted' by Florida Cutting DEI Department
ALL? So you must be so angry when DeSantis gives one of his unqualified cronies a high paying job then? Right? Or are you just another right wing hypocrite?
I have no idea where all this is coming from. And it has nothing to do with me nor this subject. Lol... right wing hypocrite? Projecting hard are you?
