What it is and why Ron DeSantis won’t fund it anymore

The DEI program aims to ensure that everyone has the support they need to feel successful and integrated in the university, especially when their backgrounds and opinions differ.

Governor Ron DeSantis and House Speaker Paul Renner recently questioned such a program. DeSantis’ office called the DEI a tactic by “liberal elites” to try to indoctrinate people, but Renner said the university was “aggressively ideological under the guise of diversity, equity and inclusion.” He said that he wants to prevent “promoting a sensible agenda.”

And the governor announced on January 31 that he plans to stop funding the program through a new law.

For subscribers:In DeSantis Florida, black residents are sicker, poorer and less educated. It’s getting worse.

For subscribers:At Parkland’s 5th anniversary, gun safety advocates say ‘less progress’ than expected

DEI means:

• Diversity A broad term that describes many things that make a person unique. This includes not only age, race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation, but also various religions, political beliefs, languages, work history, income, education, physical ability, and many other factors.
• stock It means giving everyone access to the resources they need and acknowledging that people have different needs. Fairness is different from the term “equality” which means that everyone should be treated the same.
• inclusion It means that differences are respected and that everyone is included on campus.

State universities made DEI a priority about two years ago, shortly after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent calls for racial equality in America. State college system and board leaders set the goal in an October 2020 memo.

“The Florida State University System (SUS) has a longstanding commitment to promoting respect and appreciation for all diverse cultures, nationalities and communities.” the note said.

“The university’s strategic plan and its mission statement should prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion, and provide clear direction for the full integration of the DEI initiative across the university,” he continued. .d.