University of Florida eliminates all DEI positions

The University of Florida on Friday eliminated its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related positions and programs in response to state guidance.

The decision from President Ben Sasse saw the school shut down the office of the chief diversity office, eliminate related positions, and "halt" vendor contracts with a DEI focus, Politico reported. In total, the school ended 13 full-time positions and 15 administrative appointments, according to Axios.

"DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities. I’m glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit," GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis said in response to the development.

Affected employees have until April 19 to seek expedited consideration for other positions at the school, according to the University of Florida campus newspaper The Alligator. 

Under DeSantis's leadership, Florida has approved a litany of reforms to the state's education system, largely aimed at eliminating content perceived to be harmful to minors.

Among those measures have been limitations on the teaching of sexual topics to younger students and bans on certain Advanced Placement (AP) courses over what it deemed objectionable content.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.