Florida doctor finds ways to bypass anti-DEI laws

A doctor at the University of South Florida has shared how he continues to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, despite a state law against such actions. Dr. Haywood Brown, who is the associate vice president for Academic Affairs, made these comments during a presentation in Virginia. In his talk, Brown criticized state and federal officials, including Stephen Miller from the White House. He claimed that even though he removed the title of vice president for Institutional Equity, his activities remained unchanged. Brown explained that his office simply rebranded DEI initiatives to focus on "cultural enrichment" to bypass legal restrictions. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law in 2023 that prohibits universities from using state funds to support DEI programs. Brown stated that, despite this law, he believes it is necessary to find ways to support health equity. He mentioned the importance of having a workforce that can meet these needs and compared his strategic changes to being “slippery” when dealing with lawmakers. The University of South Florida has expressed disappointment regarding Brown's statements and is reviewing the situation. They stated that they strictly follow all state and federal laws. Critics of DEI initiatives in healthcare have condemned Brown's approach, suggesting it undermines patient care. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions in the education and healthcare sectors about DEI policies. Some groups are demanding accountability and calling for an end to what they view as invasive "woke" agendas in universities.