Tallahassee, FL: The Florida Board of Governors Wednesday approved new rules that prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion spending and remove sociology from general education core course options at the state’s public universities.The move, which would affect some of the top ranked public universities in the country, such as the University of Florida, was met with protests from students and professors who lined up outside the meeting and spoke during public comment.Despite a last minute attempt to delay the sociology vote by board member Amanda Phalin, an associate professor at the University of Florida, the motion was denied, and the rule was adopted. Below is Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response:
“What the BOG just did will dramatically set back Florida’s state university system. DEI programs contribute to a diverse and inclusive educational environment. They encourage open discussions, critical thinking, and exploration of different perspectives, fostering academic freedom and a welcoming environment that respects all students. So does sociology. Sociology introduces students to the diverse ways in which societies function. The decision to remove sociology as a general education course will limit students’ exposure to critical concepts that help them understand the complexities of human behavior and social structures. Losing this course could mean a missed opportunity to develop essential critical thinking skills that our students need to be competitive in a global market. Removing this course will also lead to department downsizing — as less students will be aware that sociology as a discipline even exists. I am frustrated to see what are policies of DeSantis’ failed presidential campaign continue to infiltrate all parts of public life in Florida. Our state deserves so much better than this.”
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