Florida
University of Florida Drops All DEI Positions
The University of Florida has shut down its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, an administrative memo revealed on Friday, in response to new state restrictions on the use of funding. The memo says the school closed the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, “eliminated DEI positions and administrative appointments, and halted DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors,” ABC News reports. The move eliminated about a dozen full-time positions, per Politico. “DEI is toxic and has no place in our public universities,” Gov. Ron DeSantis, who has led the move against DEI efforts, posted on X. “I’m glad that Florida was the first state to eliminate DEI and I hope more states follow suit.”
Three senior university officials said in the memo that the school nevertheless will carry on with “our commitment to universal human dignity.” The steps against DEI have been overseen by Ben Sasse, the former Republican US senator whose appointment elicited opposition. US Rep. Steven Horsford, chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, took issue with DeSantis’ comment, saying “intolerance is toxic,” per NBC News. A state legislator called the firings “the most recent manifestation of the policies of an out of touch legislature, and a Governor’s failed Presidential bid,” per the Gainesville Sun. “We can’t call ourselves the ‘free State of Florida’ when children aren’t free to learn the truth of their history, and see the diversity of humanity,” Democratic Rep. Dianne Hart said. Every public college and university in Florida will be affected by the new law, per the AP. (More Florida stories.)
Florida
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Florida
The Florida Orchestra Launches Partnership with University of South Florida School of Music – Symphony
In Wednesday’s (11/19) WUSF (Tampa), Susan Giles Wantuck writes, “The Florida Orchestra’s music director and resident conductor will serve as ‘artists-in-residence’ this season at the University of South Florida’s School of Music. The Florida Orchestra is the largest professional orchestra in the state, and a big part of what they do in the community is teaching. Now, they’ve established a partnership with the University of South Florida’s School of Music to work with students in the USF Symphony Orchestra. The goal is to provide students with the opportunity to gain professional-level experiences and build for the future. Chelsea Gallo, the Florida Orchestra’s resident conductor, said, ‘Both Michael Francis (the orchestra’s music director) and I are artists-in-residence for the University of South Florida, and it’s really cool…. These young musicians are so talented, they’re so eager.’… The 70 USF undergraduate and graduate students will also have the chance to work side-by-side with TFO musicians and attend masterclasses conducted by internationally renowned guest artists…. Chris Garvin, dean of USF College of Design, Art & Performance, which includes the School of Music said, ‘…This initiative … [creates] lasting bonds between the university, the orchestra and the community we serve.’ ”
Florida
‘It’s a nightmare:’ Father of missing girl speaks as search continues in Central Florida
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