Please write our representatives and tell them diversity is valuable.

SB 266 is on these senators committee's agenda. Please tell them that diversity is valuable and to vote NO on this horrible bill. Please check out these other blog posts about diversity: https://www.jacksonvillenow.org/post/is-there-value-in-diversity

https://www.jacksonvillenow.org/post/is-diversity-and-inclusion-valuable

This is what Jax-NOW education committee chair sent: ---------- Forwarded message --------- Subject: Please vote no on SB 266 on April 12th To: <perry.keith.web@flsenate.gov>, <jones.shevrin.web@flsenate.gov>, <avila.bryan@flsenate.gov>, <book.lauren@flsenate.gov>, <broxson.doug@flsenate.gov>, <burton.colleen@flsenate.gov>, <calatayud.alexis@flsenate.gov>, <collins.jay@flsenate.gov>, <davis.tracie@flsenate.gov>, <Harrell.Gayle@flsenate.gov>, <hutson.travis@flsenate.gov>, <simon.corey@flsenate.gov>, <thompson.geraldine.web@flsenate.gov>

Dear members of the Appropriations Committee on Education,

SB 266 is on your agenda for April 12th. Please vote NO! The op-ed (see below excerpts) is speaking mainly about this part of SB 266. Excerpts from the bill analysis:

The bill modifies s. 1004.06, F.S., to specify that a Florida College System institution, state university, Florida College System institution direct-support organization, or state university direct-support organization may not expend any funds, regardless of source, to promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that violate the discriminatory concepts in s. 1000.05(4)(a), F.S..

Keep in mind that 1000.05(4)(a) defined discrimination in a way to attack equity, diversity, and inclusion:

f.s.1000.05(4)(a) It shall constitute discrimination ... to promote ... the following concept: [White men] ... should receive adverse treatment [in order to] to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.

Please read this op-ed. Here are a few excerpts:

When speaking on Florida SB 266, Sen. Corey Simon said, 'I want you to discover how to think. That’s what I think should be [happening] on our campuses.' This desire describes academic freedom well. Simons, however, voted YES on this [horrible] Senate bill. What happens when all the state colleges and public universities of Florida begin shutting down various programs and offices? These programs and offices include disability and accessibility, courses on American history, psychology, theater, navigating disagreements, women’s and LGBTQ issues, interfaith and diversity centers, as well as all majors and minors with requirements that include those three words: diversity, equity, and inclusion. These programs and activities are not required at any of Florida’s universities or colleges. The undergraduate and graduate students, mostly aged 18 or older, choose on their own to take part.