Though banned by state law, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies remain at the University of Florida
Conservatives took a victory lap in early 2023 when Florida lawmakers defunded programs pushing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), what they call a “woke” social justice concept, at state colleges and universities.
Senate Bill 266 (SB 266), sponsored by Republican state Sen. Erin Grall, took effect on July 1, banning Florida institutions of higher learning from spending money on or advocating for DEI.
Critics of DEI have argued it precipitates policies that discriminate against whites and conservatives.
Proponents of DEI, meanwhile, argue the ideology maintains opportunities for underrepresented populations and corrects the wrongs of what they call “systemic racism” in America.
Though DEI practices are no longer allowed at Florida universities and colleges, three University of Florida (UF) insiders—staff, faculty, and an administrator—spoke to The Epoch Times about an environment on campus that they see as hostile toward conservatives.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the UF insiders shared their experiences of how voter registration searches are used to screen out Republican job applicants. They described hiring committees that pass over, from their vantage point, better-qualified white males for lesser-qualified minority candidates for jobs.
They allege UF students attending conservative events are spied on and endure a double standard for grading. They said some conservative employees on campus fear for their jobs and worry about their safety if they are outed.
As part of UF’s social justice agenda to right the wrongs of historical racism, white employees were encouraged to join a 12-step program called Racists Anonymous, and students were encouraged to report perceived “biases,” according to documents and reports.
The University of Florida did not respond to requests for comment from The Epoch Times on this story.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is now running for president, has made wiping out DEI programs one of the centerpieces of his administration. He often says Florida is “where woke goes to die.”
