Emmitt Smith, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys and former star player for the Florida Gators, was fired from all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) positions and administrative positions by the school. After that, he tore apart his alma mater.
The university has decided to follow Florida law.
In January, the Florida Board of Governors passed regulations restricting public funding for DEI, defining DEI as “individuals based on their race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual characteristics.” defined as “any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies.” Orient and promote differential or preferential treatment of individuals based on such classification. ”
of independent florida alligatorThe campus newspaper said 13 full-time diversity, equity and inclusion positions were laid off and 15 administrative appointments were eliminated.
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Emmitt Smith attends the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards held at Ford Center at the Star on May 11, 2023 in Frisco, Texas. (Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Professor Smith condemned the university in a lengthy statement on Sunday.
“I am absolutely disgusted by the university’s decision and the precedent it set,” Smith said. “Without a DEI department, that work would fall to the Office of the President, which is already overwhelmed with raising funds for the University and continuing to advance academic research in our athletic programs.
“We cannot continue to believe that a team of leaders, all from the same background, will make the right decisions on equality and diversity. History has already proven that this is not the case.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made the DEI moratorium a cornerstone of his state’s education reform efforts, writing about X, “Florida is where DEI goes to die.”
Emmitt Smith of the University of Florida Gators runs the ball against the Vanderbilt University Commodores at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville on October 14, 1989. (Allen Dean Steele/All Sports/Getty Images)
Johnny Manziel says he will miss Heisman ceremony “until Reggie Bush gets the trophy back.”
Supporters of DEI campuses argue that DEI campuses help correct systemic inequalities and address an increasingly diverse student population, while opponents such as DeSantis argue that DEI campuses are It is claimed that it is a form of
“We need diverse ideas and backgrounds to strengthen our universities, and the DEI department is necessary to achieve those goals,” Smith continued.
“Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on the systemic problems associated with this decision, and the university has adapted to the political pressures of today’s era.
“To the many minority athletes in college, please be aware and speak out about this decision by a university that is closing its doors to other minorities without any oversight.
Emmitt Smith plays against Temple. (Bill Frakes/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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“And for those who stand by and say nothing because they think it’s not their problem, you’re complicit in supporting a systemic problem.”
Fox News’ David Rutz contributed to this report.
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