Political Legislation Blocking Diversity-Led Initiatives And Programs Leaves Many FAMU Students In Fear That Such Constraints Will Impact The Teaching Of Their History.
By Quintessa Williams
Since its founding in 1887, Florida A&M University has long been dedicated to educating African Americans and preparing them for success in their respective fields and beyond.
As one of the largest HBCUs serving nearly 10,000 students, Florida A&M offers over 50 bachelor’s degrees, 29 master’s degrees, and 13 doctoral and professional degrees.
However, recent political legislative changes have raised concerns among students regarding potential setbacks on teaching essential components of African American history.
Last spring, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law barring Florida public colleges from using taxpayer funds for diversity initiatives and programs.
“In reality, what this concept of DEI has been is to attempt to impose orthodoxy on the university,” DeSantis said at a ceremony in May when signing the bill into law. “This has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda, and that is wrong.”
The law prohibits the instruction of theories asserting that “systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.”
This legislation to regulate college and university initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion has prompted protests on FAMU campus.
The law’s prohibition on the use of taxpayer money for diversity programs and constraints on certain theories related to systemic issues have sparked a campus-wide conversation. The new law has made Florida a difficult learning environment for students and faculty of color, said Marybeth Gasman, a Rutgers University historian whose research focuses on HBCUs and systemic racism in higher education.
“I’ve talked to some FAMU faculty who have basically told me that they’re keeping their head down because they’re afraid they’re going to lose their jobs,” Gasman said. “If I were in Florida, I would probably be concerned as well.”
Chad Preston, a senior political science major, said he worries some viewpoints will be silenced. “We deserve the same level of education that all these other states are getting. We deserve the same information,” he said.
Last month, Gov. DeSantis recently announced his plans to allocate $152 million to four HBCUs. Florida A&M were included among the four HBCUs to go toward operative and facility hardening needs. The expenses, while relevant to maintaining campus facility and operations, does not go far enough to address the impact of race education at HBCUs.
“Back then, it was afraid of being lynched. Today, Black people are still struggling,” said Raghan Pickett, a senior at FAMU. “We’re still fighting to learn basic history.”
Students are closely monitoring developments and seeking assurance that the guidance stemming from the legislation will not compromise the integrity of their education.
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