The head of the NAACP has publicly called on Black student-athletes to reconsider their decisions to attend public colleges and universities in Florida after the state banned those institutions from using government funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
In a letter to NCAA student-athletes, NAACP leader Derrick Johnson asked college-bound Block athletes to "choose wisely."
“Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount to ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes,” Johnson said in a statement accompanying the letter, which was first reported by NBC News. “The value Black and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched.”
Johnson suggested that if Florida schools are not able to invest in Black athletes, they should "choose to take their talents elsewhere."
Florida governor Ron DeSantis last year signed a bill that largely prohibits public colleges and universities from using state and federal funds on programs commonly grouped together under the acronym DEI.
"The value Black and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched. If these institutions are unable to completely invest in those athletes, it's time they take their talents elsewhere."
— NAACP (@NAACP) March 11, 2024
— NAACP President and CEO @DerrickNAACP
đź”—: https://t.co/qJZA7EtO50 pic.twitter.com/2Z2ichSLAz
Florida has since eliminated all of its DEI positions to be in accordance with state law.
A spokeswoman for DeSantis directed NBC News to a March 1 tweet from the governor that read, ""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."
In his letter, Johnson recognized that not all Black student-athletes have the financial freedom to boycott Florida's public schools.
“While it is our duty to spread awareness, and encourage action around these egregious assaults, we also recognize that protest can come at a price,” Johnson said. “The sad reality is, for many Black student-athletes, collegiate sports may be their sole opportunity at achieving the upward mobility necessary to propel them into their rightful places in society.”
“This imbalance of power and profit demands a response,” Johnson went on to say, “particularly because these institutions reap considerable financial benefits from the very individuals they fail to stand by in matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion. If any institution is to reap the benefits of Black talent, it is only right that they completely invest in Black futures.”
