Rights group warns black athletes over Florida universities

Black student-athletes should reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) said in a letter to National Collegiate Athletic Association President Charlie Baker on Monday 11 March, reports The Associated Press.

The letter was in response to the University of Florida and other state schools that have eliminated their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programmes. 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.”

Last year, Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill prohibiting the use of state funds for any DEI programmes. 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 programmes.
Full report on the Huffpost site