Florida university board ruling causes UNF to phase out DEI programs including 18-year-old LGBTQ Center

[useapen]

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Students at the University of North Florida (UNF)
rallied on campus Wednesday to show support for the university’s LGBTQ+
Center.

The center was one of many resources in jeopardy after Senate Bill 266
passed last year. The bill prevents Florida’s public colleges and
universities from spending any state or federal funding on diversity,
equity and inclusion (DEI) programs.

The Florida Board of Governors met Wednesday to discuss how to move
forward and voted in support of the bill.

During the meeting, Alan Levine on the Florida Board of Governors made
sure to emphasize that the board is not banning student organizations.
Also, he said student activity and service fees can be used to fund
groups.

The university announced later Wednesday night that the LGBTQ Center and
other centers under the Office for DEI will now begin to be phased out --
something students said they feared. The university said staff members
will not lose their jobs as a result of the phase-out.

“We are working with affected employees to establish new work assignments
within the University at their current salary or above. Student clubs
making up the Student Alliance for Inclusion and Diversity will remain
active registered student organizations at UNF. We recognize there will be
other questions that may arise related to the new law, and we will
continue to keep you updated,” the university said in a letter to students
and staff.

Rachel Bacchus told News4JAX that the center provideed her peace.

“I’d heard about the LGBTQ center and thought it’d be a good place to come
to,” Rachel Bacchus, an LGBTQ+ student, said.

Bacchus said the award-winning LGBTQ+ center made UNF feel like home. It’s
a feeling many others shared.

“It’s very loud, it’s very bold, it’s very obvious,” Jaye Dodge, a
student, said. “It’s not trying to hide. And that gave me a sense of
reassurance that this is a different place. The people here are different.
And I’m more welcome here than maybe I was at home.”

The center was founded in 2006 to provide education and resources for the
students, staff and community. It has trainings, professional development
and offers resources like free mental health programs.

Students told News4JAX that UNF may become a less accepting place if the
center were to close.

“The LGBTQ center has been in such a limbo for so long, but it’s been the
same exact amount of painfulness that it’s been since day 1,” Icarus
Olsen, a student, said.

SunshineNative
7 HRS AGO
2% of the population want the rest of society to promote and cater to
them.
That’s not morally healthy, even in a free society.
I enjoyed friendships with members of the alternate persuasion back when
they weren’t in your face about it.
There existed a mutual level of human respect & decency.
Our schools have become their recruiting ground - it’s got to stop.
Thankful for Governor DeSantis stance to protect our chirrens.

https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2024/01/25/florida-university-board-
votes-in-support-of-bill-that-prohibits-colleges-from-spending-federal-
funding-on-dei-programs/