Photo: Florida A&M University / Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) / Getty Images
Students at a Florida HBCU say they were told they couldn’t use the word “Black” to promote Black History Month — and they’re calling it what it feels like: censorship.
Aaliyah Steward, a third-year law student at Florida A&M University’s College of Law, told Orlando’s News 6 that while helping organize Black History Month programming for the Black Law Students Association, several words in her promotional materials were flagged during the approval process — including “Black,” “affirmative action,” and "women."
“We couldn’t use the word ‘Black’ in Black History Month,” Steward said. “We would have to abbreviate it.” She added that being told to remove or shorten the word “Black” at a Historically Black College and University was "insane."
The issue stems from Florida’s sweeping restrictions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. Under Senate Bill 266, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023, and reinforced by the State Board of Governors’ Regulation 9.016, Florida’s public universities are barred from using state or federal funds for DEI initiatives. Those rules apply to all 12 public universities in the state, including FAMU.
FAMU confirmed to News 6 that it is enforcing those restrictions. In a statement, the university said it is “in full compliance” with Senate Bill 266 and Board of Governors regulations, adding that it supports the policy direction set by the governor, legislature, and board.
But students and advocates say the impact goes beyond funding compliance and into cultural erasure — especially at an HBCU, where Black history and identity are foundational, not optional. Steward told reporters she worries about where the line is being drawn between policy enforcement and silencing student expression.
“I just don’t want us to be censored this way,” Steward said. “Not being able to use the word ‘Black’ is very frustrating."
Legal experts and education advocates note that while the law restricts how state funds can be used, it does not ban the word “Black” outright — creating confusion and fear among students and student organizations about what is allowed, according to BET. As a result, some groups are self-censoring to avoid jeopardizing approval for events or materials.
Students involved in organizing the Black History Month events say they resubmitted revised flyers and are still waiting for clearer guidance from administrators. In the meantime, advocates warn the situation reflects a broader national backlash against DEI that is reshaping campus life — even at institutions created to serve Black students.
For Steward, the issue is about more than one flyer or one event. “We want to celebrate our history,” she said. “That shouldn’t be something we have to justify."
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.