Living and learning in Tallahassee, FL, many students at Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) are politically involved. Whether that involvement is through student government, organizing or working at the Capitol, students keep up with what is happening in our state politics. With Florida’s legislative session quickly approaching (starting March 7) we have also seen students speak out in support or opposition of legislation.
One legislative priority that has been thrown around by the Governor since the start of this year relates to restructuring higher education in the state of Florida. Similar to what we have already seen with the New College of Florida, in January DeSantis released a set of specific recommendations relating to reform of the higher education system. Among these recommendations was putting the power to hire (and fire) faculty entirely in the hands of the Board of Trustees and removing “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” from our public schools’ strategic plans.
These priorities, in addition to the rest, sparked outrage among students in Florida who fear that reform like this could affect their ability to receive jobs or pursue another degree, outside the state of Florida, post-graduation.
In an effort to take action against these proposals students across the state used social media and organized the “Stand For Freedom.” In Tallahassee, FSU and FAMU students met at the Westcott Fountain at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, with signs indicating support for the cause.
Dozens of students came out to support while members of community organizations and the Florida Legislature spoke. The headliners for Tallahassee’s political exercises were Malik from Dream Defenders Tallahassee and Representative Anna Eskamani, a champion in uplifting the voices of young people.
Following these demonstrations that took place across the state, gained tons of news coverage and sent a message to the Florida Legislature, House Bill 999 was filed with the Florida Legislature. House Bill 999 is the bill that puts DeSantis’ proposals regarding higher education into language that can be passed into law.
If passed during this legislative session, the bill would take effect in July 2023, meaning that by the fall 2023 semester, there would be essentially no identity-based agencies or diversity-based education programs on Florida campuses.
FSU and FAMU students are once again outraged about the filing of this bill and have taken to social media to express their concerns and organize ways to make their voices heard. FSU students have said that it is important we inform as many of our peers about this dangerous legislation and encourage them to speak out against it. One FSU student said, “there is strength in numbers, and we need to utilize the community of [FSU, FAMU, and Tallahassee Community College (TCC)] students that are located right here in Tallahassee to advocate for ourselves.”
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