National Diversity Council and Florida Diversity Council Issue Statements on Anti-DEI Efforts
The National Diversity Council and Florida Diversity Council have issued statements concerning the anti-DEI efforts and higher education programs being cut in Florida and Texas, as well as the U.S. Supreme Court’s pending decision on Affirmative Action.
National Diversity Council
In response to the recent news of diversity, equity and inclusion higher education programs being cut in Florida and Texas, two states with large Latino populations, and the pending Supreme Court decision that could impact Affirmative Action, the National Diversity Council (NDC) released the following statement.
As an organization committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment in workplaces and communities, we will continue to advocate for diversity and equity in higher education for underrepresented students, colleges/universities and staff. As a nation, we need to address and respond to the structural barriers that have systematically impacted marginalized individuals in attaining higher education and opportunities in the workforce.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in higher education promotes greater levels of cultural awareness and decreases inequities by promoting demographic diversity, knowledge-sharing and diversity of thought across different backgrounds and lived experiences. The work we do is critical. We are committed to continuing to provide our partners with the resources and tools to address these challenges in the ever-evolving DEI landscape while encouraging them to lead with courage.
National Diversity Council and Florida Diversity Council
In response to the recent news of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) higher education programs being cut in Florida, anti-LGBTQ+ laws and anti-DEI efforts, the National Diversity Council (NDC) and our Florida Diversity Council (FLDC) chapter released the following statement:
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law SB 266 banning public colleges and universities from using state or federal funds for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Florida has the third largest Latino population in the nation, with one-third of its public colleges/universities being designated as Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs) (Excelencia in Education).
In addition, Governor Ron DeSantis has signed into law a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ bills. These include: HB 1069, forbidding educators from speaking on gender identity or sexual orientation from Pre-K to 8th grade; SB 254 banning gender-affirming care; and HB 1521, an anti-transgender bill dictating bathroom usage. It is estimated that there are about 770,000 LGBTQ+ residents of Florida, or about 4.6 percent of the adult population (The Washington Post).
As an organization committed to fostering DEI in workplaces and communities, the NDC and FLDC stand with marginalized individuals who have been and will continue to be impacted by these laws and various anti-DEI efforts throughout the state of Florida.
