University of Florida Removes DEI Staff

The University of Florida has fired all employees in its diversity, equity, and inclusion positions, in accordance with Florida state law.

An official statement said that the university had “closed its office of the chief diversity officer, eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis attends the 66th Annual Daytona 500 at the Daytona International Speedway this past month. DeSantis last May signed into law a bill banning the use of state and federal funds for DEI initiatives at public colleges. Photo by Mike Gentry/UPI | License Photo

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was a proponent of the law and signed the legislation banning Florida colleges and universities from spending money on DEI initiatives last May. 

In a social media post Friday, DeSantis wrote, “I’m glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit.”