MY TRUTH: The Day DEI DIED

By Cheryl Smith

When I first heard of the statement attributed to NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, I said, “good for him.”

It was refreshing to hear a Black man come out and speak up on an issue; especially a controversial issue that could make some friends reveal their inner selves.

Of course while I was saluting him for his courage, there were others who were not so happy.

While there are other factors that could contribute to the Pensacola native speaking out, I’ll just go back as far as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

When you think of all the elements that contributed to this current debacle, you must take into consideration the campaign of the brilliant former Tallahassee, FL., mayor Andrew Gillum.

Following an automatic re- count in the 2018 gubernatorial race, Mr. Gillum conceded victory to his opponent who won by a mere 33,683 votes — actually 0.41 percentage points. Enough to make you want to holler.

Some believe since that fateful day, Saturday, November 17, 2018, things haven’t been anywhere near right or righteous in Florida.

So fast-forward to May 2023 when the governor signed a bill banning Florida’s Universities from having diversity and inclusion offices and using funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

Time and time again, he has expressed his disdain for DEI, gender ideology and critical race theory; citing the initiatives as discriminatory practices.

I’m utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets. 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 and athletic programs.

While the law went into effect on July 1, 2023; the University of Florida, with praise from Gov. DeSantis and protests from students, faculty and staff; terminated all of its DEI positions on March 1, 2024.

The UF memo read:

To comply with the Florida Board of Governor’s regulation 9.016 on prohibited expenditures, the University of Florida has closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors.

Under the direction of UF Human Resources, university employees whose positions were eliminated will receive UF’s standard twelve weeks of pay. These colleagues are allowed and encouraged to apply, between now and Friday, April 19, for expedited consideration for different positions currently posted with the university. UF HR will work to fast-track the interview process and provide an answer on all applications within the twelve-week window.

Additionally, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer will reallocate the approximately $5 million in funds — previously reported to Tallahassee for DEI expenses, including salaries and expenditures — into a faculty recruitment fund to be administered by the Office of the Provost.

Finally, the University of Florida is – and will always be – unwavering in our commitment to universal human dignity. 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 University of Florida is an elite institution because of our incredible faculty who are committed to teaching, discovering, and serving.

If you have questions, please contact: UF Human Resources at humanresources@ad.ufl.edu or 352.392.2477.

The number portion is included in case you want to do something!

Anyway, on March 3, 2024, Mr. Smith took to Twitter to express his displeasure with his alma mater, the University of Florida.

Now I know you say, it’s not Twitter anymore. Well I seem to have a hard time calling it “X” — maybe it’s because of my feelings about Malcolm X v. Elon Musk and his $195.1 billion.

Anyway, I digress.

Mr. Smith wrote:

“I’m utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets. 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 and athletic programs.

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. History has already proven that is not the case.

We need diverse thinking and backgrounds to enhance our University and the DEI department is essential to accomplish those goals.”

Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and 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 doors on other minorities without any oversight.”

And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the side lines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.”

Bravo Emmitt!

Which brings me to my truth!

Now how about some folks joining him? And I am not talking about just Black people.

Tell athletes and scholars to seek schools that embrace DEI.

We need some other folks to weigh in. Silence should never be an option and especially when you get people taking stands when they could comfortably enjoy the rest of their lives enjoying their celebrity status.

Athletes, if you are good or great; if it is meant to be, you will get it.

While I know we live in a capitalistic society, don’t let money guide you to make poor decisions.

If you love us when we are winning for you, show us some love when we are hurting because of you.

Your silence speaks volumes. You should stand with us on the right side of history.
And one of the best ways to show your support is to stand with Emmitt.

Stand with this man. Preachers, educators, coaches, entertainers, fraternity men and anyone else who calls themself a man, should STAND!

Stop letting people fight alone!

Can you say: Colin Kaepernick?

Oh, how I wish that young, vibrant Emmitt Smith had gotten on I-10 and headed to Tallahassee and joined the Rattlers on the gridiron at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

We knew he was made of the stuff that the late, great Jake Gaither wanted in his players — for them to be agile, mobile and hostile!

Our HBCUs are worthy of consideration and should not be boycotted. We’ve paid enough because of the stupid antics of politicians and others who use them until they use them up!

A journalist asked me if I thought the DEI ban would make athletes boycott FAMU. I told him I hoped they would have better sense than to boycott, and instead change their direction. Put FAMU in their GPS and see what happens then!

And if they want to see more action, every time it’s election time, get out and vote!

After all, do you really think Emmitt would have had to speak up if the man you called Florida governor was named Andrew Gillum?