Legendary NFL star Emmitt Smith, who got his start as a running back for the Florida Gators before going on to win three Super Bowls, is speaking out to blast his alma mater the University of Florida after the school removed all Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) positions and administrative appointments.
Emmitt Smith’s Meltdown
Back in January, the Florida Board of Governors passed a law that limited public funding for DEI, defining them 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.”
The University of Florida then complied with this law by dismissing 13 full-time diversity, equity, and inclusion positions and eliminating 15 administrative appointments. This didn’t sit well with Emmitt Smith, who spoke out yesterday and threw a tantrum over this.
“I’m utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets,” Smith said, according to Fox News. “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 in athletic programs.”
Smith Doubles Down
“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 continued. “History has already proven that is not the case.”
Not stopping there, Smith proceeded to double down.
“We need diverse thinking and backgrounds to enhance our University and the DEI department is necessary to accomplish those goals,” he added. “Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues with this decision, UF has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time.
“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,” Smith concluded. “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.”
University Of Florida Eliminates DEI
This came after an administrative memo from University of Florida officials was sent out announcing the elimination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion positions.
“The University of Florida is — and will always be — unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity,” the memo read, according to NBC News.
“As we educate students by thoughtfully engaging a wide range of ideas and views, we will continue to foster a community of trust and respect for every member of the Gator Nation,” the memo continued. “The University of Florida is an elite institution because of our incredible faculty who are committed to teaching, discovering, and serving.”
DeSantis Celebrates
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) celebrated this move on social media, writing, “DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities.”
“I’m glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit,” he added.
Many will certainly agree that DEI has gone way too far as the left continues to try and use race to divide us more than ever before. Smith can kick and scream all that he wants to, but it won’t bring DEI back to the University of Florida!
