JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion is no more.
Along with its intercultural center, interfaith center, LGBTQ center and women's center.
All four are casualties of Senate Bill 266, which cuts off funding to diversity equity and inclusion [DEI] funded programs.
“We feel like we are in this ship together," OneJax CEO, Elizabeth Andersen said.
OneJax is a non-profit that promotes diversity, it was a part of UNF before disaffiliating last July.
“I think that there were several centers that waited to find out what the rules would be from the state around how DEI programs might function on campus. We have spent the year transitioning and are excited to be building out new programming," Andersen said.
OneJax is offering resources to students. It’s hired UNF's former Director of Interfaith, Matt Hartley, to lead the same initiatives at OneJax.
“It was a natural synergy for him to bring that work to OneJax when he started with us back in November. So, he has been continuing to support that work," Andersen said.
State law ultimately forced the closure of DEI funded centers and programs on public college campuses.
But, Anderson said OneJax is allowed to go on campus and partner with student organizations.
“OneJax has been supporting student led activities on campus already this year. We supported a Ramadan dinner," Andersen said.
Anderson said OneJax is still working to create new programs and initiatives to meet the needs of students.
“There's certainly a gap in resources and support, particularly for this age group. I worry for our young people on these university campuses without adults to help shepherd them through this time of divisive rhetoric and heightened tensions," Andersen said.
UNF said student clubs are not impacted by senate bill 266. It added employees working at the now closed centers were moved to other open positions at the university.