A senior doctor from the University of South Florida has stepped down from his position after an audio recording exposed him explaining how he secretly worked around Florida’s strict anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) laws.
The doctor, Haywood Brown, was caught discussing how he continued promoting DEI policies even after the state banned them. He openly admitted to changing department names and job titles to avoid detection, while keeping the DEI-related activities going behind the scenes.
What Happened?
The audio, first obtained by Fox News Digital, features Dr. Haywood Brown speaking at Virginia Commonwealth University. In the recording, Brown shares how he bypassed Florida’s law, which prohibits state-funded colleges and universities from promoting DEI programs.
He even mocked state and federal officials, including Stephen Miller, a senior White House official known for opposing DEI initiatives. Brown also commented on how he deliberately used careful language when talking to lawmakers to avoid trouble.
Following the release of the audio, the University of South Florida acted quickly. A university spokesperson stated, “Shortly after learning about Dr. Brown’s comments, we placed him on administrative leave for review. In response, he chose to resign immediately.”
How Dr. Brown Avoided the Laws
In his talk, Dr. Brown revealed that while his official job title changed, his responsibilities related to DEI remained the same. He explained that the DEI office at USF was renamed to focus on “cultural enrichment” and “healthcare access,” clever terms that seemed harmless but kept DEI efforts alive.
He said, “Even though I eliminated my title, I didn’t eliminate my job. That didn’t change anything I was doing already.”
Brown further shared that his team formed a council to manage DEI efforts instead of having a dedicated DEI officer. He openly admitted, “Isn’t that slippery? As long as it works, that’s what we do.”
Reaction from Officials
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ office reacted strongly. Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ Communications Director, said, “After learning about Mr. Brown’s actions and public commitment to breaking state law, we immediately ended his relationship with the university system.”
He added, “This individual’s employment at the University of South Florida is over today. He is no longer welcome to work in Florida’s education system.”
Governor DeSantis has been vocal in opposing DEI programs. In 2023, he signed a law that stopped public colleges and universities from using government funds to run DEI programs or activities.
Critics Speak Out
Several critics of DEI policies have raised concerns about Brown’s actions. Kristina Rasmussen, Executive Director of Do No Harm, stated, “Woke DEI ideology is spreading in our university medical schools. Dr. Brown’s speech should alarm state legislators, governors, and anyone who cares about the future of medicine.”
She added that her organization would continue exposing administrators who, according to her, harm the healthcare system by promoting DEI.
Will Hild, Executive Director of Consumers’ Research, also criticized the situation. He said, “This shows how health systems are putting a woke agenda ahead of patient care. People like Dr. Brown openly strategizing to break the law is unacceptable.”
Hild added that the Trump administration has been clear that DEI practices like these are illegal and warned that institutions allowing them could face investigations.
The Bigger Picture
Universities across the U.S., especially under the Biden administration, have embraced DEI policies to promote diversity and inclusivity. However, in states like Florida, there has been a strong pushback, with laws aiming to restrict such programs.
Florida’s definition of DEI policies covers any program or policy that treats individuals differently based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, promoting preferential treatment. Under these laws, public universities are not allowed to fund or support DEI activities.
Brown’s case shines a light on how some institutions may be trying to continue these initiatives discreetly, despite legal restrictions. It also highlights how political debates over DEI policies are affecting the education and healthcare sectors.
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