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The NAACP is urging Black student-athletes to reconsider attending public colleges in Florida amid a new state policy that bars those institutions from using government funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
On Monday (March 11), NAACP leader Derrick Johnson sent a letter to current and future NCAA athletes, calling on them to “choose wisely” when considering attending Florida public universities, per NBC News.
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount to ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes,” Johnson said in a statement. “The value Black and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched.”
“If these institutions are unable to completely invest in those athletes, it’s time they take their talents elsewhere,” he added.
Johnson's letter comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill last year barring the state's public colleges and universities from using government funds for DEI programs. Earlier this month, the University of Florida removed all diversity, equity, and inclusion positions under the state's rule.
"DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities," DeSantis previously wrote on X. "I'm glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit."
While Johnson called on Black athletes to boycott Florida public colleges, he recognized that not all of them have the financial freedom to do so.
“While it is our duty to spread awareness, and encourage action around these egregious assaults, we also recognize that protest can come at a price,” Johnson said in his letter. “The sad reality is, for many Black student-athletes, collegiate sports may be their sole opportunity at achieving the upward mobility necessary to propel them into their rightful places in society.”
“This imbalance of power and profit demands a response,” he continued. “Particularly because these institutions reap considerable financial benefits from the very individuals they fail to stand by in matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. If any institution is to reap the benefits of Black talent, it is only right that they completely invest in Black futures.”
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