JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion shut down Wednesday, along with several campus programs, to comply with a new state law.
The Florida law bans universities from spending money on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs.
Four different centers on campus that were all under the umbrella of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion are now closed:
- Interfaith Center
- Women’s Center
- Intercultural Center
The closure will impact some services previously offered to students.
The school’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion shared a post about the closures.
“We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to every Osprey who supported and engaged with this office throughout the years. It was an honor to have been a part of your UNF journey. Thank you for your contributions to the historical legacy of our beloved university.”
The announcement comes more than a year after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill banning DEI spending at public universities and colleges.
UNF began phasing out its DEI programs in January.
In the past, the university had been named a diversity champion and ranked as one of the best LGBTQ colleges or universities in the state.
UNF’s president confirmed that no staff members will lose their jobs with the closures.
Instead, those employees are being moved to work in other departments.
Any student-created organization can remain active on campus.