Florida's Restriction on DEI Programs: Navigating the Impact on Education and the Call for Action
Keywords: DEI, Florida Education, Politics, Social Justice, & Activism
In a recent move, the Florida Board of Education has passed regulations restricting the use of public funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, activities, and policies within the public college system. This decision comes as part of a broader trend where DEI initiatives have become a target of conservative efforts, coinciding with attempts to limit discussions on race in K-12 schools and control access to certain books in libraries.
Understanding DEI: DEI, as traditionally defined by DEI professionals, aims to address inequities within organizations, implementing measures such as accessibility improvements, correction of discriminatory hiring practices, and addressing pay inequities based on gender and race. It has roots in the anti-discrimination legislative movement of the 1960s, which led to acts like the Civil Rights Act and Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Many of the best practices of DEI have large effects on the sense of belonging, number of opportunities, and learning outcomes of students in higher education. Students, whether aware of the impact or not, benefit from DEI funding and programming to promote successful education attainment.
Students for a Democratic Society at University of South Florida protesting at the Marshall Student Center. By Josh Holton/WMNF (4/6/2023)
DEI Ban Impact on Florida College System: The rule adopted by the Florida Board of Education prevents Florida College System institutions from using state or federal funds for programs falling under the state's definition of DEI. This has the potential to affect a wide range of activities, including classes, clubs, and various programs on public Florida campuses.
Connecting the Dots
AAU President's Perspective: This decision by the Florida Board of Education contrasts sharply with the viewpoint expressed by the Association of American Universities (AAU) President Barbara R. Snyder. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in education and academic success, stating, "A university education in which one’s fellow students all come from similar backgrounds is woefully incomplete and fundamentally flawed."
DEI and Student Success: In light of these restrictions, it's crucial to reflect on the significance of targeted DEI programming within universities. An article by Amy Kurfist, PhD, discusses how student belonging is a vital component of DEI efforts. The article highlights that more than half of college students feel excluded based on some aspect of their identity, emphasizing the need for institutions to prioritize inclusivity. The article underscores that institutions often focus on diversity-related statistics but face challenges in addressing the concept of inclusion. The feeling of inclusion and belonging is essential for students' success, with a direct impact on academic, health, and engagement outcomes. The article suggests strategies to foster a sense of belonging, including defining diversity, inclusion, and belonging at institutions, involving students in the conversation, and addressing faculty and staff inclusion. Without solid funding and programming within Florida higher education systems we lose the benefits that DEI programming has been shown to effect.
Conclusion & Call to Action
As educational institutions navigate these restrictions, it becomes imperative for universities, including the University of South Florida (USF) (my home instituion), to acknowledge the potential impact on students and the broader academic community. Remaining silent in the face of these changes may risk compromising the values of diversity and inclusivity that contribute to academic excellence. It's time for institutions to take a stand, aligning with the principles advocated by AAU and recognizing the importance of DEI in fostering an environment where all students can succeed and thrive. The University of South Florida, as a recent AAU member, must play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and advocating for the values that define inclusive education. The commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is not only a moral imperative but also essential for the continued success and progress of higher education.
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