A top university in Florida has cut all DEI positions.

The Unraveling of Campus DEI

Top Story

A top university in Florida has cut all DEI positions.

Why?

To fall in line with a state law. Last year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed legislation that bans the state’s public colleges and universities from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. He claims they are discriminatory and "woke" indoctrination. In response, the University of North Florida and Florida International University put DEI on the chopping block. Now, the University of Florida — ranked as the top public college in the South by the Wall Street Journal last year — has terminated more than two dozen positions and pulled out of all DEI-focused contracts with outside vendors. The school said it plans to redistribute about $5 million in DEI expenses into a faculty recruitment fund. And other states are ready to follow suit.

Which states?

Texas, for one. The state’s ban on DEI initiatives and offices at public universities and colleges took effect at the beginning of this year. In January, Utah’s governor signed a bill rolling back DEI programs not just at state universities, but also in government offices. Since 2021, Republican lawmakers have proposed slashing college DEI programs in 21 states, according to one analysis. The GOP is taking shots at DEI, saying the programs undermine education and are tools for promoting left-wing ideology. DEI supporters say the initiatives are crucial to help students of all backgrounds succeed in higher education.

theSkimm

In the wake of 2020's racial reckoning, DEI initiatives garnered widespread support nationwide. Four years later, colleges are struggling to continue that progress for fear of violating the law.

Who’s stacking up delegates ahead of Super Tuesday…

Former President Trump. Over the weekend, Trump came out victorious in the Idaho, Missouri, and Michigan caucuses. Meanwhile, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley picked up her first primary win in DC, but she still only has 43 delegates compared to Trump’s 244. Haley said she’s sticking things out as long as her campaign is “competitive.” Tomorrow, Super Tuesday kicks off with voters in 15 states heading to the polls to help decide who will be the Republican nominee. But today, all eyes are on the Supreme Court, which is expected to rule on Trump’s eligibility to stay on the Colorado primary ballot given his actions in the January 6th insurrection.

PS: We spoke to Haley last month about what the long game is with her campaign, plus why Trump voters aren't backing her. Listen here.

Who's dropping buckets like it's her job...

Caitlin Clark. Yesterday, the college basketball sensation set an all-time scoring record for men or women in the NCAA with 3,685 career points. The record was first set by Louisiana State University’s Pete Maravich in 1970. More than 50 years later, Clark is redefining women’s college basketball. Just last month, she became the top women’s scorer. Her jerseys are flying off the (virtual) shelves with Fanatics reportedly saying she’s become their top-selling college athlete. And ticket costs for her games have gone through the roof as fans clamor to see her shatter records. Clark's expected to be the no. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever in next month’s WNBA draft.

…Oh and speaking of setting records, LeBron James became the first NBA player to score 40,000 career points. In his 21st season, King James is still going strong.

Who’s expanding their services…

CVS and Walgreens. On Friday, the retail pharmacy giants said they’re going to start dispensing abortion pills in states where it’s legal. Since Roe v. Wade was overturned, at least 14 states have moved to ban abortion to some degree, including medication abortions — which accounted for more than half of abortions in the US in 2020. CVS said it will fill prescriptions for mifepristone (one of two drugs used for medication abortion) in Massachusetts and Rhode Island in the “weeks ahead.” Walgreens will start off in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania at select locations. It comes weeks before the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments on whether to restrict access to mifepristone.

Who people are remembering…

Elijah McClain. On Friday, paramedic Peter Cichuniec was sentenced to five years in prison for his role in McClain’s 2019 death. The 23-year-old died after police confronted him on his walk home, held him in a chokehold, and paramedics injected him with ketamine. Of the three police officers involved, only one was convicted and sentenced to 14 months in jail. It’s rare for a paramedic to face charges, but in this case both paramedics were convicted of criminally negligent homicide for injecting McClain with too strong a ketamine dose. Cichuniec was also convicted of second-degree assault for unlawful administration of drugs. The second paramedic will be sentenced next month.

What has us checking the freezer…

Trader Joe’s chicken soup dumplings.

Where men's fashion is headed...

Deeply oversized suits.

theSkimm helps you tackle your to-do lists, whether you're refinancing your loans or choosing a daycare for the first time. We talk to experts and real women to empower you to make decisions faster and with more confidence. Check out our guides to get started.

PS: Your feedback makes a big impact. Let us know what you like, what could be improved, and most importantly, if we helped you get sh*t done. Share your thoughts.