JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida shut down its Office of Diversity and Inclusion on Wednesday in compliance with state regulations as the spring semester comes to a close.
The closures are to comply with a state regulation banning public colleges from using federal funds for diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Florida Senate Bill 266 limits state and federal funds from promoting, supporting or maintaining any programs or campus activities that advocate for DEI, or engagement in political or social activism.
A UNF spokesperson confirmed to First Coast News that its Intercultural Center, Interfaith Center, LGBTQ Center, Women's Center and Office of Diversity and Inclusion were now officially closed.
The spokesperson said despite closures, none of the people working at the closed offices lost employment at the university.
"While some staff members from these offices have left the university for other job opportunities, the remaining employees have moved to other open positions in the university," said UNF Media Relations Manager Amanda Ennis.
With the new changes, the university will continue to offer support services to students including health and counseling services, Ennis added.
The Victim Advocacy Program that once lived in the Women's Center, will now operate out of the Dean of Students Office.
Student clubs are not affected by SB 266 and can remain active on campus.
UNF provided the following statement when asked about the DEI centers closing:
"In response to Senate Bill 266 and the regulations approved by the Florida Board of Governors, the University of North Florida has been in the process of closing the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and its centers (the Intercultural Center, Interfaith Center, LGBTQ Center and Women’s Center). As our semester comes to an end this week, all of the centers are now officially closed.
The University offers resources and support services available to all students, including health and counseling services. The Victim Advocacy Program, which was part of the Women’s Center, now operates out of the Dean of Students Office. In addition, student clubs are not affected by this law and may remain active.
While some staff members from these offices have left the University for other job opportunities, the remaining employees have moved to other open positions in the University. No employees have lost employment with the University as a result of these closures."