I am fine with him speaking out if it’s important to him, but making it appear it was something UF did is a bad narrative that makes things worse for the school, not better. He isn’t helping. Which has pretty much been Emmitt’s MO since he graduated. He has had an on and off tepid relationship with UF, so he doesn’t exactly have the same credibility some other alums might.
Now it seems that the NAACP is encouraging college athletes to not consider Fl schools. ~Just what we need~
I mean it is (I assume the UF board of trustees is on board), the school could pick a fight with the governor if they chose to. Too many people afraid to rock the boat at UF because it might cost them money or a cushy job. They might not have caused it themselves, but they are definitely rolling over like a bunch of cowards. The UF administration is certainly not above criticism.
I have no idea what his personal views are there. But as prez, outside of the Jewish support, he has completely stayed clear of hot button social issues. As a politician trying to earn respect from academics in his role that would be the last thing he would touch anytime soon. No upside for him.
It’s state law, BOG or not, what are you going to do? This isn’t UF’s doing. https://www.npr.org/2023/05/15/1176210007/florida-ron-desantis-dei-ban-diversity
It was something UF did. They didn't have to do this. They made a choice to do it, and then carried it out in an especially cruel and heartless way.
And yet, multiple other universities in Florida have moved their DEI staff into new roles and/or changed their responsibilities and job titles to be compliant with the law.
Tell the governor to go suck a lemon and intentionally break the law, obviously. Pick a fight, make the governor react. You dont get a pat on the back for rolling over without a fight. "We are just following the law" is cowardice, sorry. If they are deeply felt principles, then the law shouldnt be a barrier to your reaction. To me, they are signaling that DEI wasnt worth a fight.
It’s not a winning battle. In fact the state republicans look for these fights, and the legislature overwhelmingly supported this. All you do is risk larger funding for a battle you are ultimately going to lose anyway. Not to mention bringing even more attention to it when it becomes king and protracted, just look at the Disney fight.
Like I said, its cowardice. If the governor wants to sue schools to do racism and is willing to take money away from education to have his way, then that shouldnt be an outcome you fear. Too many people with a fiduciary outlook in the administration. This isnt a business or some investment fund, where shareholder value is the number one priority.
Exactly, they have 50k other kids to consider. All those folks are gonna get rehired if they wanna be, and will probably do much of the same work whenever they land. It’s not the fight to take on, there is little if anything to win and lots to lose. And it keeps UF in a bad news cycle for months or years while we eventually end up doing the same thing anyway.
Indeed, keeping the money rolling in is more important than any principles of diversity, inclusivity and its value to education, something they say they believe in. If sticking to those principles isnt considered a win in of itself and money trumps all, then like I said, its cowardice, and its exactly why people like Emmitt Smith will criticize them, and why squishy liberals and centrists routinely come in for criticism from the left. Just another illustration of the priorities of the "adults in the room."
It’s not a fight they can win. But if you or the “left” want them to yell, and lose bigger than they have already, just to say “we yelled loud, so there!”, have at it I guess. but points made on both sides, nit worth continuing with this.
The University is not above the law. It is not cowardly to accept the will of the people who put DeSantis in place and the legislative members who pass the law. Peacefully demonstrating and voting is the appropriate course of action. Too many people focus on race in the DEI landscape. UF’s legal counsel must be asleep at the wheel — review the law and assist UF with a revised policy that achieves support for students and does not violate the law. Is it that hard?
They lose either way, so what is the scenario where they win? At least in one scenario, you give the appearance of principles mattering, getting some media attention, make the governor do something unpopular. Perhaps he even backs down? Instead of just quietly complying and falling back on business mentality as an excuse. I mean, when Disney is putting up more of a fight ... Jesus things are bleak.
