In response to efforts by Governor Ron DeSantis to weaken diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in Florida, the NAACP has issued an extraordinary letter advising Black college athletes to rethink their decision to attend public colleges and universities in the state. The letter, authored by the NAACP's top officials and addressed to the head of the NCAA, comes in the wake of the University of Florida's announcement that it will be eliminating its DEI staff to comply with an anti-DEI law signed by DeSantis last year.

In the letter, NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Leon Russell and President and CEO Derrick Johnson state that DeSantis has waged war on Black America, citing examples such as racist voting policies, attempts to rewrite Black history, and curbing reproductive freedoms. They urge current and prospective college student-athletes to reconsider attending predominantly white institutions in Florida.

The law signed by DeSantis prohibits the state's public universities and colleges from spending money on DEI programs, claiming that they are costly and discriminatory. DeSantis himself has expressed support for eliminating DEI, stating that it has no place in public universities.

DeSantis has been known for making cultural issues a priority during his time in office, including signing legislation that limits instruction about race and sexuality in education. He has also targeted sports, including signing a law that bans transgender girls from playing on public school girls' teams.

While Black students make up around 17% of Florida's population, their representation in universities is significantly lower. At Florida State University, Black students account for only 8.5% of the student population, and at the University of Florida, it's fewer than 5%.

However, Black students play a prominent role in college sports, particularly in football and basketball, the sports that generate the most revenue for major athletics programs. Around half of Division 1 basketball and football players nationwide are Black.

Florida is home to two of the largest athletic departments in the nation - the University of Florida and Florida State University, both ranking among the top 15 programs in revenue. The NAACP highlights the value and impact of Black talent in college sports, emphasizing that the loss of Black athletes would not only affect athletics but also impact other university programs.

The NAACP's call to reconsider attending public colleges and universities in Florida excludes historically Black institutions, such as Florida A&M University. This move aims to protect these institutions from being affected by the boycott.

NFL Hall of Famer and former University of Florida star running back Emmitt Smith expressed his disgust towards the university's decision, criticizing leadership for bowing to political pressure. He encouraged minority athletes at UF to be aware and vocal about the university's actions.

It is worth noting that other states, including Texas, have also taken steps to target DEI programs in universities. Texas recently implemented a sweeping ban that eliminates DEI offices, diversity training, and activities based on race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation.

As the debate over DEI in higher education continues, the NAACP's urging raises important questions about the impact of policies that limit diversity and inclusion efforts at public colleges and universities in Florida and throughout the nation.