Emmitt Smith admonishes University of Florida for eliminating diversity, equity, inclusion jobs

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Florida Gators legend Emmitt Smith admonished the university for eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion jobs at the school. 

The school eliminated the positions, according to a memo released Friday. That memo cited a recent state ban on the use of public funds for diversity, equity and inclusion programs, activities and policies. That included activities for “political or social activism” in the public college system.

After the Florida Board of Governors passed this restriction in January and the Florida Board of Education followed suit, the University of Florida eliminated positions this past week.

Smith released a statement on Twitter regarding the decision.

“I’m utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets,” Smith wrote in a statement. “Without the DEI department, the job falls to 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.”

Smith continued his statement, bolding the next two paragraphs that can be seen on social media.

“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,” Smith said. “History has already proven that is not the case. We need diverse thinking and backgrounds to enhance our University and the DEI department is necessary to accomplish those goals.”

DEI is defined by its respective professionals as a group that is aimed at correcting inequities within an organization. That could include implementing accessibility measures for people with disabilities, correct discriminatory hiring practices, addressing gender and racial pay inequities, anti-bias training and more.

“Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UF has confirmed to the political pressures of today’s time,” Smith said. “To the many minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about this decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight.

“And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the sidelines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.”

The memo released by the school stated university employees who were eliminated will receive UF’s “standard twelve weeks of pay” and “are allowed and encouraged to apply, between now and Friday, April 19, for expedited consideration for different positions currently posted with the university.”