analyze: NAACP calls to boycott Florida over DEI policies have fallen flat.
Black athletes appear to have no interest in the NAACP's boycott of Florida over Republican-led policies. college fix The analysis identified at least 35 of the top black student-athletes in basketball and football who recently signed with colleges and universities in the Sunshine State.
“To all current and prospective collegiate athletes, the NAACP urges you to reconsider your potential decision to attend and compete at predominantly white institutions in the state of Florida,” the March 11 letter states.
“This is not about politics. “This is about protecting our communities, advancing our culture, and most of all, your education and future,” the letter, which was also sent to NCAA President Charlie Baker, states.
The letter criticized Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis for eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion spending at the state's universities and other initiatives.
“Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has made no effort to hide his administration’s devaluation of black America,” the NAACP wrote. “From racist voting policies to crushing reproductive freedoms and attempts to rewrite black history, DeSantis has waged war on Black America.”
“Now, due to his administration’s anti-Black ideals, all state-funded colleges and universities in Florida will be required to dismantle their diversity, equity and inclusion programs,” the NAACP wrote.
The dark picture painted by the NAACP hasn't swayed players over the past month. college fix The analysis was found.
Fixes We identified 35 of the highest-ranking Black student-athletes in basketball and football, two high-profile sports, who signed with the University of Florida.
Fixes We shared this list with the NAACP and asked for their input. The group did not respond to two email inquiries sent over the past three weeks. Fixes On April 4, another email was sent to spokeswoman Alicia Mercedes and public relations manager Chyna Fields, asking if anyone had canceled their commits. Neither responded to emails.
That number includes Jalil Bethea, who signed with the University of Miami and is the sixth-best player in the class of 2024, according to ESPN.
He will join Austin Swartz at No. 43 next year. The University of Florida has two of the top 10 football players on campus next year, and both are Black.
A news search for “retirement” yielded no evidence of any black athlete leaving the University of Florida due to NAACP boycott calls.
more: UF eliminates DEI office, staff and contracts.
A boycott could also be problematic for Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, which is a historically black college. FAMU went 12-1 in football last season.
“The university has no comment,” spokesman Andrew Merritt said. Fixes Via email.
It's not clear where top players should go instead. For example, many of the top football teams are red states with similar restrictions on DEI. These include the University of Georgia, the University of Texas, and the University of Alabama.
The NAACP also issued a “travel advisory” for Florida, warning black Americans not to go there and to be careful if they do.
“Please note that Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the NAACP said in May 2023. “Before you travel to Florida, please understand that the state devalues and marginalizes the contributions and challenges of its people, a problem faced by African Americans and other minorities.”
Russell, the president, appears to still be living in Tampa nearly a year after his organization issued the warning. His X profile shows he still lives in Tampa.
Fields and Mercedes, the NAACP's media relations representative, also did not respond to questions about Russell's residence and plans to leave Florida on April 4.
more: UCLA spent $150,000 to travel to California's blacklisted red state.
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