People had a lot to say after the University of Florida asked a student to avoid the word “black” in a Black History Month flyer.
Last week, anti-DEI policies had bizarre real-life consequences when a student at Florida A&M University (FAMU) was asked to remove the word “black” from a flyer promoting Black History Month events.
Global Image Group via Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
Law student Aaliyah Steward told the Orlando News Outlet that a faculty member was concerned that using “Black” on school signage would violate Florida law, which prohibits public universities from using state funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Joe Riddle/Getty Images
RELATED: Democrats Release 19 More Photos From Epstein’s Estate, And People Can’t Help But Point To These 3 Particularly Disturbing Images
Steward said that “Black History Month” can only be used as an abbreviation of “BHM” in promotional materials. He added that the use of the words “affirmative action” and “women” were also banned.
“I was very angry and shocked because this is a historically black college and university,” Steward said. “For them to say we can’t use the word ‘black’ was kind of crazy.”
Advertising
Advertising
Initially, the school released a statement saying the faculty member’s instruction complied with state law.
“Florida A&M University is in full compliance with Senate Bill 266 and Board of Governors Regulation 9.016. We support and implement the policy direction established by the Governor, Legislature and Board of Governors as it relates to DEI, and is consistent with the courts,” the statement said.
RELATED: RFK Jr. Was Asked If He Would Vaccinate His Kids For Measles, And His Response Is Going Viral
However, the increased media backlash seems to have led the university to reassess. In a statement obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, Florida A&M College of Law Associate Provost and Interim Dean Cecil Howard recast the incident as a “staff-level error” caused by a faculty member’s “overly cautious” interpretation of state law.
The Washington Post/Washington Post via Getty Images
Howard said the school later consulted with a higher education law expert, who confirmed that writing the word “black” did not violate any laws. Despite the final resolution, Steward said her BHM program needed to be suspended because the school “virtually ignored” her complaints until the public intervened.
Crobertson/Getty Images
Related: People are praising the AOC for pointing out the stark double standard surrounding Trump’s “increasingly erratic” behavior.
Online, the situation has drawn a lot of scrutiny, with many emphasizing how sad it is to see anti-Black censorship at a historically Black university. One user said, “Imagine planning Black History Month events and being told you can’t even use the word ‘Black.’ At an HBCU.”
“An HBCU asked a student to remove the word Black from a flyer? I smell Republican,” said another.
Many wondered how black students could attend FAMU after such a situation. Others took it even further, warning black people not to fully support Florida’s economy.
RELATED: Tomi Lahren Says Something So Funny About Bad Bunny That Even Her Own Comments Section Is Roasting Her
While sad, most agreed that it was not surprising, given Florida’s history of racist policies.
Advertising
Advertising
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month! Follow all our coverage here. Of course, the content does not end after February. Follow BuzzFeed’s Cocoa Butter on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest Black Culture content all year long.
BuzzFeed
Also in the news: Gavin Newsom’s new, brutal nickname for Trump is going viral, and it might be his best yet.
Also in the news: 15 real-life experiences that made people do a complete 180 on their political views — and divided the Internet.
Also in the news: These nine Democrats have the best chance to win the presidency in 2028, according to People of the Internet