ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said Ron DeSantis was “crazy” after Florida’s governor signed a bill banning Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) programs at Florida’s universities. Stated.
Smith admitted he wasn’t “a fanatic on the subject,” but still targeted the governor of Florida.
The ESPN host started the rant with an insult, but it turned into a backhanded compliment.
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Television personality Stephen A. Smith speaks in a radio queue ahead of the Super Bowl at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona on February 9, 2023. (Mike Rowley/Getty Images)
“And in the case of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, at this pace he might count as one of the dumbest people I’ve ever seen,” Smith said on a podcast earlier this week. “And we know he’s not stupid. We also know how smart he is.
“If you’re DeSantis, it’s bad enough that you’ve marginalized the Latino community. It’s bad enough that you’ve marginalized tens of millions of women because you don’t have women who are against abortion.” Most people want an abortion, even though there are a lot of them.” It’s the right to choose for ourselves rather than being dictated by male politicians. But here’s the sticking point for me, because I’m a black man and we’re talking about the NAACP.
“All respect to Governor Ron DeSantis. He has clearly offended Latinos, blacks and women. Have you lost your mind or just want to give up the election? That’s you.” is what you’re trying to do?”
Stephen A. Smith attends Sirius XM at Super Bowl LVII on February 9, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images, SiriusXM)
DeSantis signed Bill SB 266 on the campus of New College, Florida, which underwent major reforms this year. SB 266 prohibits public universities from using state funds to pay for her DEI program and also gives university presidents greater authority over employment practices.
The bill is the latest attack on what DeSantis calls an “awakened” influence on education. In recent years, it has also passed legislation giving parents more power over the education of their children in elementary, middle and high school.
In addition to banning funding, Mr. DeSantis also signed a bill banning public universities from requiring students and faculty to submit a “diversity statement” for admission or hiring. Such statements are usually intended to demonstrate how the applicant’s experience will help make the campus more diverse and inclusive.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at a press conference at the US Police Hall of Fame and Museum in Titusville. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket, Getty Images)
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DeSantis formally announced earlier this week that he would be the Republican nominee for the 2024 presidential election.
FOX News’ Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.
