Banned By Bureaucracy? FAMU Students Say They Can't Say 'Black' On Campus
FAMU Students Speak Out Against Censorship
Aaliyah Steward, a final-year law student at FAMU, shared her experience with ClickOrlando. She was told to remove the word 'Black' from promotional materials for a Black History Month event, along with other language deemed sensitive or prohibited by state funding rules. Steward called this direction 'insane,' given FAMU's HBCU status and the importance of celebrating Black heritage on campus.
University Defends Its Position
FAMU initially released a public statement defending its actions, stating that it was following state law and Board of Governors guidance on the use of state funds and DEI programming. The university claimed to be in 'full compliance' with these rules, but critics argue that this is just another example of the national backlash against DEI initiatives.
Critics Weigh In
Advocates warn that this episode is symptomatic of a larger cultural and political fight over how race and history are taught at public universities. The line between permissible speech and policies tied to funding has become increasingly blurred, leaving students and educators caught in the middle. Critics argue that these restrictions have a chilling effect on campus life, especially at HBCUs where celebrating Black heritage is central to their institutional identity.
Students Push Back Against Censorship
Organizers are pushing forward with events and asking for transparency from administrators. Steward emphasized the importance of celebrating their history: 'We want to celebrate our history, that shouldn't be something we have to justify.' Students are resubmitting materials and awaiting clarity on what is permissible under state funding rules.
The FAMU controversy highlights a growing concern about censorship and the erosion of students' expressive rights. As the nation celebrates Black History Month, it's essential to recognize the importance of preserving and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our educational institutions. The debate over DEI initiatives will continue, but one thing is clear: students deserve to express themselves freely without fear of censorship or reprisal.
