Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
On Feb. 20, 25 white Republican members of the Alabama Senate introduced SB129, a bill designed to essentially eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at public institutions in the state.
The proposed law not only makes it illegal for any “state agency, local board of education or public institution of higher education to sponsor any diversity, equity, and inclusion program or maintain any office, physical location, or department” dedicated to DEI or similarly “divisive concepts,” it also gives agencies the authority to “discipline or terminate” employers and contractors who violate the law. While the proposal allows for private funding, the discrimination legislation forbids students, teachers and employees at Alabama’s public institutions of higher learning from applying for private or federal funding that supports diversity, equity or inclusion.
Alabama’s legislative act of caucaity mirrors legislation passed in Arizona, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and at least 21 other states. On March 1, the University of Florida complied with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law defunding diversity spending by terminating all positions associated with DEI. UF’s decision prompted a harsh rebuke from Gator football legend Emmitt Smith, who issued a statement on Twitter suggesting that athletes at the university use their platform to speak out. More importantly, Smith didn’t feel the need to let the white people off the hook.
“We cannot continue to believe that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity,” wrote Smith on Twitter. “To the MANY minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about this decision by the University, who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight. And to those who…
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