Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Norbert

(6,041 posts)
Tue Mar 5, 2024, 08:13 AM Mar 5

Emmitt Smith

He was a Hall of Fame player on the gridiron and even more successful beyond. But I never was able to get a good feel on his political leanings. That is until now. He is coming out against his alma mater eliminating DEI.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith blasted his alma mater, the University of Florida, after the school opted to eliminate its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) department and fired 13 faculty members who worked in the sector.

Smith took to X, the website formerly known as Twitter, to share his disapproval. The move comes after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 267 last May. DeSantis' bill banned state funding for DEI programs in the state's public universities.

"We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity," Smith wrote in a statement. "History has already proven that is not the case."

...

"Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision," Smith added. "UF has conformed to the political pressures of today's time."


https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/emmitt-smith-left-utterly-disgusted-after-alma-mater-university-of-florida-eliminates-dei-department/ar-BB1jjR0q?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=20d4249bf9944b7784b6bb0f32757400&ei=21
4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Emmitt Smith (Original Post) Norbert Mar 5 OP
Emmitt Smith does have a point here. ProudMNDemocrat Mar 5 #1
Get thee to the greatest page malaise Mar 5 #2
Thank you Emmitt Smith for expressing your thoughts MagickMuffin Mar 5 #3
Good for him Johnny2X2X Mar 5 #4

ProudMNDemocrat

(16,845 posts)
1. Emmitt Smith does have a point here.
Tue Mar 5, 2024, 08:16 AM
Mar 5

As I delve more into The 1619 Project, I am understanding more not only about the continued racism in this country, but the POLITICS behind it.

I wonder if Emmitt Smith has read it as well. I highly recommend it.

MagickMuffin

(15,972 posts)
3. Thank you Emmitt Smith for expressing your thoughts
Tue Mar 5, 2024, 11:19 AM
Mar 5


You should get out more in front of cameras and preach the truth to power.


Johnny2X2X

(19,240 posts)
4. Good for him
Tue Mar 5, 2024, 11:27 AM
Mar 5

The DEI discussion in this country has been incorrectly framed by the right as giving something to people who don't deserve it. To me, DEI, be it at schools or in business, is not about passing over qualified people to gove something to unqualified people, quite the opposite actually. DEI is about finding the best candidates, even if they aren't white males.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Emmitt Smith