The Broader Ramifications of the Attack on DEI at Florida Public Colleges and Universities

The fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has reached an important juncture in the state of Florida. With regulations by the Florida Board of Governors that threatened to dismantle DEI-related programs in public colleges and universities, now passed by the Florida Department of Education, it is crucial for the nation to rally and prevent potential ramifications that could ripple throughout the country.

Dr. Marcus BrightRepublican presidential candidate Nikki Haley stated during a recent debate when referring to the rationale behind the engagement of the United States in the war between Russia and Ukraine that “Russia said that once they take Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics are next. Those are NATO countries and that puts America at war. This is about preventing war.”

The Baltics refer to the countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and the reference of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is about their policy of an attack on one member country is an attack on all member countries. Florida could have “Ukraine” type ramifications when it comes to the vigorous attempts to dismantle DEI efforts in its public colleges and universities.

While recognizing the vast differences in the severity of the two scenarios, it is important to highlight the commonality of preventing adverse consequences by addressing the issue at hand.

If the movement to advance the dismantling of DEI is able to move forward without formidable opposition or a potent counternarrative that gains significant public traction, then it could have a similar effect to Russia taking Ukraine and then moving unabated into Poland and The Baltics.

In this case Poland and The Baltics may represent employment and contracting. Those could potentially be among the next dominoes to fall after colleges and universities. Government contracting plays a crucial role in promoting economic fairness and providing opportunities for businesses led by underrepresented groups. Minority-owned businesses, often already facing significant barriers, may find it even harder to compete on an even playing field. The exclusion of DEI programs from state and federal funding would limit the resources available to these businesses, hindering their growth and impeding progress towards greater equity.

When it comes to employment, in many industries, hiring decisions are heavily influenced by personal connections and referrals. This reliance on social networks can perpetuate inequality as it limits access to opportunities for individuals outside established circles. Consequently, qualified candidates from underrepresented communities often face barriers to entry, hindering their professional advancement.