ORLANDO, Fla. – In a statement from an official with a Florida university they mentioned how a “staff-level error” was the cause of students’ concern when they told News 6 they were having push back with trying to use the word “Black” on a Black History Month flyer.
Those students now say they feel like a change has been made following the News 6 report that prompted widespread public reaction.
Just days ago, students from the Florida A&M University College of Law reached out to News 6, raising concerns about pushback they received while creating promotional materials for Black History Month events. In the last 24 hours, News 6 obtained internal university emails indicating the words were not prohibited and the issue was in part from an overly cautious interpretation of state law.
[PREVIOUS COVERAGE: ‘Black’ banned from flyers for FAMU College of Law Black History Month event, student says
Students say it was the university’s response after the News 6 story aired that made the biggest difference.
“I was very happy that what’s going on may change now that the public is involved and it’s been brought to light,” said Aaliyah Steward, a Florida A&M University College of Law student.
News 6 first spoke with Steward on Friday. She says her organization, the Black Law Students Association, encountered resistance over the language used on Black History Month flyers.
“We couldn’t use the word ‘Black’ in Black History Month. We would have to abbreviate it,” Steward said.
Steward also raised concerns with the word’s “women” and “affirmative action” she says there was push back on.
In recent years, Florida’s public universities have been prohibited from using state or federal funds for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs due to legislation passed by state lawmakers including Senate Bill 266. When News 6 initially brought Steward’s concerns to the university, officials responded with the following statement noting how they were in full compliance with the bill.
“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 rulings.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is committed to fostering a campus community that encourages the free exchange of ideas while ensuring an environment of mutual respect, safety, and awareness. The University recognizes that freedom of expression is fundamental to academic inquiry, personal development, and civic engagement."
News 6 did request more specific information after the statement was made.
After the story was published on ClickOrlando.com, it quickly gained traction on social media, which Steward believes made a big difference The report was shared by Attorney Ben Crump and Grammy Award-winning singer SZA, drawing national attention.
“I was glad that a lot of people were having the same reactions that we had—that we broke the news that we were being censored in this way,” Steward said.
Days later, the university’s President responded to News 6, clarifying that the word “Black” does not violate the state law.
Statement from FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D.:
As the state’s only public Historically Black University, the word “Black” is central to the mission and identity of Florida A&M University. We take seriously our responsibility to communicate clearly and consistently on matters of law, governance, and public accountability. The University unequivocally confirms that the use of the word “Black,” or the phrase “Black History Month,” does not violate the letter, spirit, or intent of Florida Senate Bill 266, Board of Governors Regulation 9.016, or any relevant federal guidance.
FAMU is celebrating Black History Month with full support of the Governor, Board of Governors and State elected bodies. These activities began on February 1 with the opening of a new exhibition at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives Research Center and Museum on the main campus. Throughout the month, the University will continue to highlight and honor FAMU historical figures, culminating in our annual Harambee Festival on February 28. The planned student organization activities in Orlando are a welcome and valued extension of FAMU’s comprehensive recognition of the enduring contributions of Black history to our society.
We will continue to support our students, faculty, and alumni in celebrating Black history in ways that are lawful, authentic, and aligned with the values that define Florida A&M University.
FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D.