Florida International University (FIU) has officially abolished its Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in response to recent state legislation. 

The move aligns with new rules set forth by Florida’s Board of Governors, which prohibits state spending on DEI programs across public universities.

The university stated, “In keeping with State of Florida legislation, the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been eliminated.” 

FIU emphasized its continued commitment to accessibility, equal opportunity, and civil rights compliance. 

The responsibilities previously under the DEI division will transition to the Division of Human Resources and the Department of Access, Compliance, and Equal Opportunity.

The move by FIU follows the broader trend initiated by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed legislation in May 2023 defunding DEI programs at state universities and colleges. 

Public universities, including the University of Florida and Florida State University, are affected by this decision, which aims to curtail state and federal funding for programs advocating DEI or engaging in political or social activism.

DEI under the spotlight

DEI scrutiny has intensified in recent months. Critics argue that hiring or favouring students based on sexual orientation, gender, or skin color contradicts non-discriminatory human rights principles and shifts focus from equality to equality of outcome. 

The recent resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay over plagiarism allegations has further fueled the debate. Gay, a massive proponent of DEI, faced criticism not for her actions but was defended by those labeling the plagiarism discovery as racially motivated.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, recently echoed the growing backlash against DEI, calling it “just another word for racism”. 

In Canada, True North reported on Monday that Waterloo University has introduced racially segregated swim times for “black folx” only.