JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Students at the University of North Florida called out University President Moez Limayem and Governor Ron DeSantis during a demonstration on campus.
They demanded that diversity-equity-inclusion programs on college campuses be protected and said that school officials should take a stand.
Students at the demonstration explained that diversity is a huge part of their school's identity.
Students, faculty and alumni gathered at 'The Green' for the event. Organizers said their academic freedom and freedom of speech is at stake.
Demonstrators say diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are at risk of being defunded. It is one of the latest proposals from Governor Ron DeSantis.
During a press event on Jan. 31, the governor said universities should not encourage students to become political activists.
"We don't want students to go through at taxpayer expense and graduate with a degree in zombie studies," DeSantis said on Jan. 31.
This comes after university presidents in Florida said they would not fund or support policies that include critical race theory. Students such as Lissie Morales, wants campus officials to speak up and take a stand.
They're not convinced school officials are doing enough.
"It means protecting our office of diversity and inclusion. Including the interfaith center, the LGBTQ center, which is known nationwide for how amazing it is and the woman's center," Morales said. "We need to do whatever needs to happen in order to make sure this stays on our campus for years to come."
UNF sent First Coast News a statement.
"The University of North Florida supports and encourages open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas and perspectives. UNF is committed to civility and a respectful environment, and providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming campus for all students, faculty and staff."
After the demonstration, students were encouraged to contact President Limayem with a list of demands. According to UNF's students for a Democratic Society, the list includes:
1. President Limayem publicly stands with other Florida Universities against attacks from Tallahassee on academic and free speech.
2. President Limayem commits to transparency of compliance with targeted list-making activities (i.e. attempts to enforce HB7 when unpaused).
3. President Limayem maintain all pre-existing commitments to inclusivity, equity, diversity, and justice including, but not limited to, a. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion with its respective centers on campus b. Any course or initiatives that deals with DEI topics.
4. President Limayem commits to protecting all tenure and adjunct faculty from termination or demotion.
First Coast News reached out to Governor Ron DeSantis' office for comment about the student-led organization and their demands. We are expecting a response, soon.