Florida Restricts Funding for DEI Conferences

- The legal basis for this is Senate Bill 266, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 15, 2023, which prohibits public colleges from using state or federal funds for programs or campus activities that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. This law became effective on July 1, 2023. - To implement SB 266, the Florida Board of Governors approved Regulation 9.016, titled "Prohibited Expenditures." This regulation defines DEI as any program or policy that classifies individuals by race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential treatment based on that classification. - The restrictions extend beyond conference travel to include a ban on spending for DEI-focused contracts and the elimination of DEI positions and administrative appointments at institutions like the University of Florida. - The law also forbids general education courses from teaching that "systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States." As a result, the state's public colleges have replaced a required "Principles of Sociology" course with a U.S. history class. - A companion bill, HB 931, was signed at the same time, banning universities from requiring students or employees to sign statements in support of DEI as a condition of admission or employment. - The legislation is part of a broader national trend, with Florida joining at least 19 other states where lawmakers have introduced measures targeting DEI programs in higher education. - In response to the law, professors from several Florida universities have filed a lawsuit alleging that it violates their First Amendment rights by censoring speech and academic freedom. - There are specific exemptions to the funding ban, including for access programs for military veterans, Pell Grant recipients, first-generation and low-income students, and programs required for accreditation or to comply with federal law.