From Fortune:

Florida A&M University regards its Black student’s education as essential to their founding. Political worry arose as new law blocks colleges from investing taxpayer money in diversity programs, interfering with race and American history teaching. Civil rights activists criticize DeSantis’ pass of the bill, contrasting with his political support growth.

The Florida-only public, historically Black university students on heightened stress amid a law forbidding taxpayer money use in diversity programs also limits discussions on systemic racism, sexism, and oppression. As Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis solidifies his place in politics, FAMU’s 10,000 students anxiously watch ongoing diversity protests unfold.

The law has left students and faculty at FAMU tense. Some fear they’ll lose their jobs or have classroom discussions curtailed. DeSantis has described it as a way to remove left-leaning “indoctrination” from colleges. Some say the law is creating a stifling environment and impeding information on race history and current events.

FAMU has been relatively calm compared to New College of Florida but students and staff are cautious. Florida’s State University Board has proposed new regulations would limit which programs can receive state or federal money. Programs promoting differential treatment or classifications based on certain characteristics would not be eligible for funding.

Historically Black colleges and universities have faced ongoing underfunding in comparison to predominantly white public colleges. A group of FAMU students have taken this matter to court, claiming the school has been underfunded. Civil rights leaders worry that people are being kept from sharing and understanding their experiences and struggles throughout history.



Read more: Ron DeSantis’ anti-DEI law is impacting what’s taught at Florida’s only HBCU