There is a new #Florida bill that would possibly ban diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in colleges and universities.
The Public Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act (HB 999) prohibits colleges from financially supporting “any programs or campus activities that espouse diversity, equity, or inclusion or Critical Race Theory rhetoric.”
There are concerns that the proposed legislation will prohibit Black fraternities and sororities from Florida campuses.
State Sen. Shevrin Jones (D), who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, stated in an Instagram live that the bill is “so vague that HBCUs or other institutions period who have a Black fraternities and sororities on their campuses can practically say we will no longer be supporting you on our campuses based off of this law.”
According to the bill, courses must not be “based on unproven, theoretical, or exploratory content” and majors in women’s studies or gender studies.
Although the bill does not define critical race theory rhetoric, state schools are prohibited from using diversity, equity, and inclusion statements, or rhetoric based on critical race theory “or other forms of political identity filters as part of the hiring process,” including tenure and promotion applications.
It follows a GOP-led agenda in the state to limit school discussions about race, gender identity, and sexuality, led by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
By eliminating diversity and inclusion programs in Florida colleges and universities, Gov. DeSantis is taking Florida one step closer to becoming a racially discriminatory authoritarian state that will endanger numerous marginalized Americans.
Source: The Hill