Black History Month<\/a>.<\/p>\n\u201cWe couldn\u2019t use the word \u2018black\u2019 in Black History Month,\u201d Steward said. \u201cWe would have to abbreviate it.\u201d<\/p>\n
That restriction hit hard for her, especially given the school\u2019s history and mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was very angry and baffled because this is a Historically Black College and University,\u201d she said. \u201cFor them to say we can\u2019t use the word \u2018black\u2019 was kind of insane.\u201d<\/p>\n
The situation connects back to Florida\u2019s broader DEI restrictions. In 2024, the Florida State Board of Governors voted to ban the use of state or federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and activities across the state\u2019s 12 public universities. That vote aligned with legislation signed by the governor and later reinforced through board regulations.<\/p>\n
When Steward\u2019s concerns were raised to university leadership, Florida A&M University did not deny that the restrictions exist. Instead, the school emphasized compliance with state law.<\/p>\n
In a statement, the university said it has remained in full compliance with Senate Bill 266 and Board of Governors Regulation 9.016. The statement added that the school supports and has implemented the policy direction set by the governor, the Legislature, and the Board of Governors, while also pointing to federal court rulings connected to DEI policies.<\/p>\n
The university also said it remains committed to free expression and the exchange of ideas within an environment of mutual respect, safety, and awareness.<\/p>\n
Still, for Steward, the experience feels like censorship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just don\u2019t want us to be censored this way,\u201d she said. \u201cNot being able to use the word \u2018black\u2019 is very frustrating.\u201d<\/p>\n
She says the restrictions have cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory final year of law school. Steward recently resubmitted a Black History Month flyer without abbreviations and says she is still waiting for a response from university officials.<\/p>\n
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