Emmitt Smith upset about UF’s DEI decision
Florida football legend and NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith is not happy with a recent decision made by his alma mater, one that made national headlines.
On Friday, the University of Florida eliminated its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department, firing all 13 of its employees. The decision came on the heels of the Florida Board of Education’s Jan. 17 decision that approved rules to prohibit diversity, equity and inclusion spending at Florida College System Institutions.
The rules follow
Senate Bill 267, signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in May banning state funding for DEI programs at the state’s public universities.
Smith, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and 2010 NFL Hall of Fame inductee who played for the Florida Gators from 1987-89, took to social media on Sunday to criticize UF’s decision.
“I’m utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent it sets,” Smith wrote. “Without the DEI department, the job falls on the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs.
“We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case.”
Smith earned All-American honors for the Gators in 1989, before being taken by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round 1990 NFL Draft.
He recently returned to the UF campus in January to present the Gatorade
High School National Player of the Year Trophy to incoming freshman UF quarterback D.J. Lagway. Smith won the award in 1987.
In the statement, Smith also urged current minority Florida athletes to speak up in opposition of the decision.
“Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UF has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time,” Smith said. “To MANY minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about this decision by the University who is now closing doors on other minorities without any oversight.”