Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
FAU students protest against state efforts to end diversity programs
Diversity has long been a source of pride for Florida Atlantic University, but it’s now turning into a point of contention.
About 50 students and faculty members rallied in front of the administration building of the Boca Raton school chanting “We are anti-racist,” “We are pro-LGBTQ” and other messages.
They were protesting House Bill 999, which would remove state funding for programs and courses that promote diversity, equity and inclusion unless required by federal law or regulations.
For years, FAU has touted itself as “the most diverse university in Florida,” with a student population that’s 39% white, 29% Hispanic, 20% Black and 4% Asian.
But protesters said FAU’s diversity — and the well-being of students — are now under attack.
It remains to be seen how broadly universities would apply the proposed law. Protesters say the bill sends a chilling effect not only on what’s taught by faculty, but on student programming, multicultural centers, sexual health education and Black fraternities and sororities that carry out a mission of social justice.
“We have so many organizations. If this bill gets passed, everything is going to get gutted,” Chelsea Burry, a 19-yearold freshman from Miramar, predicted. “What clubs don’t have to do with people that are different than everyone else? I don’t think people are raising the alarm enough.”
Bill sponsor Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, downplayed the effect the law would have on student clubs and programs during a Tuesday meeting of the House Postsecondary Education and Workforce Subcommittee, where the bill sailed through along party lines.
“As far as purely faculty advisory committees, they would be included in the bill, but student groups can continue to operate how they see fit,” subject to existing university rules governing all student groups, Andrade said at the meeting.
DeSantis has targeted diversity