A news release from the NAACP announced they had sent a letter to the NCAA, as well as prospective athletes, indicating that the organization wants black students to stay out of Florida. They claim that the University of Florida and other organizations removing DEI incentives are racist against black students.
NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson wrote a statement of support for their efforts and wasted no time going after Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) for his Stop Woke Act to direct the end of DEI.
“Florida’s rampant anti-Black policies are a direct threat to the advancement of our young people and their ability to compete in a global economy. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are paramount ensuring equitable and effective educational outcomes. The value Black, and other college athletes bring to large universities is unmatched. If these institutions are unable to completely invest in those athletes, it’s time they take their talents elsewhere. The NAACP will remain unwavering in our efforts to hold Governor Ron DeSantis, and all oppressive elected officials accountable for their attempts to unravel our democracy.”
While a pretty choice of words, his statement could not be more inaccurate. What DEI does is punish people for not being born a minority, or even as he specified, black. It encourages the idea of everything being “fair” on things that they cannot control like their race, ethnicity, or sex. Thereby it diminishes the accomplishments people have control over like grades, extracurricular choices, and their capabilities to achieve.
Unfortunately, college and jobs should never rely on DEI to choose who makes it and who doesn’t. In both areas of life, people who are best suited for the opportunity should be chosen for what they have achieved, and what their potential is. Considering just how unfair life is, people don’t need to be given a leg up just for being born into a certain racial background.
