In March, Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith surprised many by coming out against the anti-DEI and anti-Blackness movement in his home state of Florida.
— Emmitt Smith (@EmmittSmith22) March 3, 2024
Smith’s reaction was fueled by the University of Florida’s decision to end all DEI programs and offices in response to Governor DeSantis’ foolish “Stop WOKE Act”.
Smith, a Florida Gators legend, pulled no punches in his response.
“I am utterly disgusted by UF’s decision and the precedent that it sets,” wrote Smith in March in a post on X. “Without the DEI department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs. We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case.
“We need diverse thinking and background to enhance our University and the DEI department is necessary to accomplish those goals.
“Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UF has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time.“
Smith was absolutely correct in his statement and in taking a stand against a sentiment that has quickly swept through the South and Midwest, affecting hundreds in states like Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Alabama.
The NFL legend also called on “minority athletes” to recognize what’s happening and take a stand against it.
“To the MANY minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about this decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight,” he wrote. “And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the sidelines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.”
Smith echoed exactly what many, including us and the NAACP, have been urging Black athletes to do, something that others like the 2015 University of Missouri football team did, which led to a change in the administration and its policies.
Unfortunately, with the allure of big college programs and the increasing size of NIL collectives and payouts, many are blinded from the realities of what Black non-athletes face on campuses across the states participating in DEI bans.
