NAACP urges Black student-athletes to reconsider attending Florida universities
Black student-athletes should reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida, the NAACP said Monday in a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker.
The letter was in response to the University of Florida and other state colleges that have eliminated their diversity, equity and inclusion programs. It was also intended for current and future student-athletes. The NCAA is the largest governing body of college sports.
“This is not about politics,” the letter read. “It’s about protecting our community, advancing our culture, and most of all, it’s about your education and your future.”
The letter was signed by Leon W Russell, chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and Derrick Johnson, CEO of NAACP.
According to 2021 NCAA figures, Black athletes at Power Five schools, the elite level of college football and basketball, make up 55.9% of men’s basketball players, 55.7% of men’s football players and 48.1% of women’s basketball players.
Last year, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning the use of state funds for DEI programs. The University of Florida responded in March by closing the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, eliminating 13 full-time DEI positions and 15 administrative appointments, and terminating DEI-focused contracts with third-party vendors.
Other state colleges such as North Florida and Florida International have also ended DEI programs.
“While it is our duty to raise awareness and encourage action on these egregious attacks, we also recognize that protest can come at a cost,” the letter said. “The sad reality is that for many Black student-athletes, collegiate sports may be their only opportunity to achieve the upward mobility necessary to propel them to their rightful places in society.”
It’s unclear how awareness of the DEI debate could impact current or future student-athletes considering powerhouses like Florida and Florida State — especially at a time when name, image and likeness matches have become so integral to roster building — but a growing campaign could hamper these schools’ recruitment efforts.
NFL Hall of Famer and Florida legend Emmitt Smith asked minority athletes at his alma mater to “be aware and speak out” about the decision.
Johnson went a step further on Monday.
“Florida’s rampant anti-Black policies pose a direct threat to the advancement of our young people and their ability to compete in a global economy,” Johnson said in a statement. “Diversity, equity and inclusivity are critical to ensuring fair and effective education outcomes.
“The value that Black and other college athletes bring to major universities is unparalleled. If these institutions cannot fully invest in those athletes, it is time for them to take their talents elsewhere.”