Current:Home > MarketsNAACP urges student-athletes to reconsider Florida colleges after state eliminates DEI programs-InfoLens
NAACP urges student-athletes to reconsider Florida colleges after state eliminates DEI programs
View Date:2024-12-23 22:09:57
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Black student-athletes should reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida, the NAACP said in a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker on Monday.
The letter was in response to the University of Florida and other state schools that have eliminated their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. It was also addressed to current and prospective student-athletes.
“This is not about politics,” the letter read. “It’s about the protection of our community, the progression of our culture, and most of all, it’s about your education and your future.”
The letter was signed by NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Leon W. Russell and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
Last year, Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting the use of state funds for any DEI programs. The University of Florida responded in March by closing the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminating 13 full-time DEI positions and 15 administrative appointments, and ending DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors.
Other state schools like North Florida and Florida International also have shut down DEI programs.
“While it is our duty to spread awareness and encourage action around these egregious assaults, we also recognize that protest can come at a price,” the letter read. “The sad reality is, for many Black student-athletes, collegiate sports may be their sole opportunity at achieving the upward mobility necessary to propel them into their rightful places in society.”
It’s unclear how awareness of the debate over DEI might affect current or prospective student-athletes who are considering powerhouses like Florida and Florida State — especially at a time when name, image and likeness deals have become so integral to building rosters — but a growing campaign could hinder those schools’ recruiting efforts.
NFL Hall of Famer and Florida legend Emmitt Smith asked minority athletes at his alma mater to “be aware and vocal” about the decision.
Johnson took it a step further Monday.
“Florida’s rampant anti-Black policies are a direct threat to the advancement of our young people and their ability to compete in a global economy,” Johnson said in a statement. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount (to) ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes.
“The value Black and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched. If these institutions are unable to completely invest in those athletes, it’s time they take their talents elsewhere.”
___
AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports
veryGood! (97167)
Related
- Joey Graziadei Details Why Kelsey Anderson Took a Break From Social Media
- Angela Simmons apologizes for controversial gun-shaped purse at BET Awards: 'I don't mean no harm'
- Blind artist who was told you don't look blind has a mission to educate: All disabilities are a spectrum
- Horoscopes Today, July 1, 2024
- Is the stock market open on Veterans Day? What to know ahead of the federal holiday
- Hurricane Beryl remains at Category 5 as it roars toward Jamaica: Live updates
- 'Guiding Light' actor and model Renauld White dies at 80
- Officer who killed Tamir Rice leaves new job in West Virginia
- California man allegedly shot couple and set their bodies, Teslas on fire in desert
- Trump seeks to overturn criminal conviction, citing Supreme Court immunity decision
Ranking
- Army veteran reunites with his K9 companion, who served with him in Afghanistan
- Fed Chair Jerome Powell: US inflation is slowing again, though it isn’t yet time to cut rates
- The Supreme Court ruled that Trump has immunity for official acts. Here's what happens next.
- What we know about the fatal police shooting of a 13-year-old boy in upstate New York
- Amazon's 'Cross' almost gets James Patterson detective right: Review
- What restaurants are open on July 4th? Hours and details for Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, McDonald's, more
- Prosecutor won’t oppose Trump sentencing delay in hush money case after high court immunity ruling
- Dangerously high heat builds in California and the south-central United States
Recommendation
-
Joel Embiid injury, suspension update: When is 76ers star's NBA season debut?
-
This woman is wanted in connection to death of Southern California man
-
Parole denied for Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier, who has spent most of his life in prison
-
U.S. agrees to help Panama deport migrants crossing Darién Gap
-
Bull doge! Dogecoin soars as Trump announces a government efficiency group nicknamed DOGE
-
Arby's brings back potato cakes for first time since 2021
-
New grand jury transcripts released in Jeffrey Epstein case reveal prosecutors knew about accusations against him
-
Texas man dies after collapsing during Grand Canyon hike