Emmitt Smith is likely one of the most distinguished student-athletes to ever come by the doorways of the College of Florida. The Corridor of Fame working again used his platform to talk out after the college fired all of its Variety, Fairness and Inclusion division on Friday.
Right here’s what Emmitt Smith needed to say concerning the controversial transfer:
“I’m completely disgusted by UF’s resolution and the precedent that it units. With out the DEI division, the job falls to the Workplace of the Provost, who already has their fingers full, to boost cash for the college and proceed to advance the tutorial research and athletic applications.
We can’t proceed to consider and belief {that a} group of leaders all made up of the identical background will make the best resolution on the subject of equality and variety. Historical past has already confirmed that isn’t the case. We want numerous considering and backgrounds to reinforce our College and the DEI division is important to perform these objectives.
As an alternative of exhibiting braveness and management, we proceed to fail based mostly on systemic points and with this resolution, UF has conformed to the political pressures of right now’s time. To the MANY minority athletes at UF, please remember and vocal about this resolution by the College who’s now closing the doorways on different minorities with none oversight.
And to those that assume it’s not your drawback and keep on the facet strains and say nothing, you might be complicit in supporting systemic points.”
The College of Florida said its resolution was made to “adjust to the Florida Board of Governor’s regulation 9.016 on prohibited expenditures.”
The large query is — will extra former PWI faculty athletes communicate out when their alma maters transfer in a similar way like Emmitt Smith?
