People Had A LOT To Say After Florida University Told Student To Avoid The Word “Black” On A Black History Month Flyer

Last week, anti-DEI policies had strange real-life consequences when a student at Florida A&M University (FAMU) was told to remove the word “Black” from a flyer promoting Black History Month events.

Law student Aaliyah Steward told Orlando news that a faculty member was concerned that using “Black” on school signs would violate Florida law, which prohibits public universities from using state funds for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

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Steward said “Black History Month” can be used in promotional materials only if shortened to “BHM.” She added that the words “affirmative action” and “women” were also prohibited from being used.

“I was very angry and upset because this is a Historically Black College and University,” Steward said. “To say we can’t use the word ‘Black’ was kind of crazy.”

Initially, the school released a statement indicating that the faculty member’s guidance was in compliance with state law.

The statement reads, “Florida A&M University has consistently been in full compliance with Senate Bill 266 and Board of Governors Regulation 9.016. We support and have implemented the policy direction established by the Governor, the Legislature, and the Board of Governors as it relates to DEI, and consistent with related federal court decisions.”

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However, increased media backlash seems to have prompted the university to reassess. In a statement obtained by the Tampa Bay Times, Cecil Howard, the associate provost and interim dean of the Florida A&M College of Law, reframed the incident as a “staff-level error” caused by the faculty member’s “overly cautious” interpretation of state law.

Howard said the school subsequently consulted an expert in higher education law, who confirmed that writing the word “Black” does not violate any laws. Despite the eventual resolution, Steward said her BHM event needed to be postponed because the school “virtually ignored” her complaints until the public intervened.

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Online, the situation has drawn much scrutiny, with many highlighting how sad it is to see anti-Black censorship at a Historically Black University. One user said, “Imagine planning Black History Month events and being told you can’t use the word ‘Black’. At an HBCU.”

“HBCU told a student to take the word Black off of a flyer? I smell Republicans,” said another.

Many have asked how Black students can still attend FAMU after such a situation. Others took it even further, warning black people against fully supporting Florida’s economy.

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While sad, most agreed that it is hardly surprising, considering Florida’s history with racist policies.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

It’s the 100th anniversary of Black History Month this year! Follow all our coverage here. Of course, the content does not end after February. Follow BuzzFeed’s Cocoa Butter on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest Black culture content all year long.

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