NAACP boycott threat could hurt Florida students
In 1993, I concluded my collegiate football career at Florida
State University, attracted by its robust support and commitment to student-athletes, both academically and athletically. My decision to attend was fueled by my mother and the drive to transcend the socioeconomic barriers of my upbringing. FSU embodied a promise: It did not just align with my goals and aspirations, but offered a path to facilitate my journey.
Decades later, I remain convinced that Florida’s state universities are unparalleled in fostering the academic and athletic goals of their student-athletes. However, this conviction is now questioned as the NAACP calls for a boycott of Florida’s public universities, alleging discrimination due to the removal of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Such accusations miss the mark and fail to acknowledge the foundational values and accomplishments of these institutions.
I believe that diversity and inclusion are important for a constructive and transformative educational experience, allowing for engagement and learning from varied perspectives. However, I’ve seen a departure from these original principles in the current DEI discourse, which has become entangled in ideological-driven narratives that suppress rather than foster diverse, independent thought. This trend towards imposing a singular viewpoint undermines the very principles of diversity and inclusion it seeks to promote, unjustly alienating and condemning those who disagree.
The recent educational reforms in Florida, spearheaded by Gov. Ron DeSantis, have reoriented the focus towards merit, financial aid, investment in higher education, reduced student costs, and preparing students for global competitiveness. This merit-based approach reflects the essence of athletic achievement, which values talent, hard work and performance above all. The Florida higher education system stands as a testament to the benefits of prioritizing talent development and career readiness over political motives. Evidence of success in Florida, particularly among students of color, is compelling: 42% of Florida’s public undergraduate students in Florida are Black or Hispanic, surpassing the national average of 29% by 42%. The four-year graduation rate for Black students is 58% higher in Florida than the national average. Furthermore, Black and Hispanic students received nearly half of all bachelor’s degrees awarded by the State University System of Florida.
For student-athletes considering their college options, Florida remains a pinnacle of academic and athletic excellence, ensuring every student the opportunity to excel, regardless of their origin. This stance is not merely my personal belief as an FSU alum and Florida resident, but a recognition of the lasting value and opportunities provided by a Florida education.
John F. Davis is the Secretary of the Florida Lottery and Chair of the Volunteer Florida Commission. A native of Pahokee, he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University where he was a standout safety for the Seminole football team. He also served in multiple roles in the Orlando business community, including African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida president and executive vice president of Orlando Inc., the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce.