Was having a DEI department a detriment to UF's mission and reputation? No. Did getting rid of it improve anything? No. Bottom line, it's a bad look and bad for the university's reputation on a national and international level. DeSantis' interference with UF policy is unprecedented for a governor and none of it has been positive. The only people cheering this are old and white. Other universities, especially their football and basketball recruiters will use this against us. Conversations between high school guidance counselors, black students and their families are already happening. This was not remotely about principle. It's a blatant and callous maneuver to disempower minority students, instructors and administrators in our universities. Did anyone ask African American students how they felt about DEI? Does the governor even care? DeSantis is an arsonist. The stain he leaves on UF's reputation will take decades to remove. Anyone who applauds this is no friend to UF.
"DeSantis is an arsonist. The stain he leaves on UF's reputation will take decades to remove. Anyone who applauds this is no friend to UF." That's some sweet exaggerated hyperbole, there. Nice!!
Does anybody think it's a coincidence that this is happening primarily in Jim Crow states? There's a pretty close correlation between states with the highest number of blacks lynched during that era and states introducing or passing resolutions to end DEI; Mississippi 539, Texas 352, Georgia 492, Alabama 299, Florida 257, Arkansas 226, Tennessee 204, South Carolina 156. Funny that those are the same states whose universities benefit most from black student athletes but the last states to desegregate their universities. It was 30 years after Jackie Robinson played football and ran track for UCLA that Willie Jackson Sr. became the first African American to play for the Gators. Is this the legacy we want for UF?
You should see this as a good thing. The south has moved on and that part of our ugly history is just that…it is history, especially in the liberal universities. No need to treat people differently because the color of their skin. Democrats are the new racists of America.
Really? Is that why we see Confederate flags everywhere? Is that why the south is home to so many racist Nazi groups? Is that why we see these southern states wanting to preserve confederate statues? Is that why we see states trying to change the narrative while teaching slavery? Like the slaves were taught skills while being a slave? Is that why the south was the last to integrate? Is why the south makes it harder to vote for blacks than anywhere else? Is that why the south gerrymanders racially in-equal districts...we can go on and on. Your statement is totally false. In fact, it seems like the south is trying to go back to the good old days. Moved on? Show me some actual proof.
Proof? You go to college? When’s the last time you stepped foot in a southern school? The only folks getting singled out for their skin color are white boys. You ought to crawl out from your basement and get some sunshine. Turn on the tv. Congress is filled with different race and gender. We voted in a black president. Sad that you can’t see it. You’re hooked on hate…and it’s likely because you’re buying what CNN is selling.
Ahhhh...another aggrieved white person. Now, you're the victim. Right. You poor white folk. Thoughts and prayers.
You made that point, not me. If you’re an open-minded person perhaps you’d see the world in a different light. The country has changed…see if you can catch up.
I get it. I'm supposed to be happy you let us drink from the same water fountain now? Thank you, SIR. You let us vote! Thank you, masta. You let us go to your colleges? Uh-huh. Thank you, sir. Oh, we can play sports now and win your white alumni trophies? Thank you, masta. We so gracious! Thank you. sir. We owe you so much! Thank you!
Thank you, masta. I'm sorry your white kinfolk are afraid now. Too bad y'all not having babies anymore like you used to. Pretty soon, masta, you'll be a minority. Hope you can survive those days. We'll promise not to make you drink from separate water fountains and you can vote and not get lynched. Thank you, masta.
Serious question. What would you like for America to do to make your life better? You sound angry and perhaps bitter and maybe I missed something. People of color are breaking their backs to get to America, traveling across oceans and deserts. I can’t see why that is if whites continue to hold them back.
This is the kind of news Americans can be proud of. DEI programs made more sense in the 60s and 70s. We are actually progressing as a nation.
Charlie Strong and Mike Holloway disagree with you. Along with thousands more who aren't well known enough for anyone other than their family and friends to care about what they've had to face. And that is just Gainesville.
