Florida bans DEI programs at public colleges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State Board of Education created a new rule Wednesday to bar member schools of the Florida College System from spending taxpayer dollars on “diversity, equity and inclusion” programs.

The rule also applies to federal funds, in addition to state funds, given to public colleges.

It defines “diversity, equity and inclusion,” or “DEI,” as “any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification.”

Specifically, such colleges cannot use taxpayer funds to “promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities” advocating for DEI or “political or social activism.”