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.
However, News 6 also obtained a statement sent to students from the College of Law’s Interim Dean, Cecil Howard who addressed the situation with what students say was in detail. News 6 did verify the letter has verified the letter was sent by the University.
In the letter, it mentions after the News 6 report multiple meetings were had with students and staff, including an investigation into the matter and will now implement any required corrective measures.
In part of the statement Howard said, “What occurred was a staff-level error—an overly cautious interpretation that went beyond what the law requires. It has been corrected, and I take full responsibility for ensuring it does not happen again.”
When asked whether the coverage made a difference, Steward was clear.
“One hundred%” she said. “Before, it didn’t feel like we were being listened to, and there was no urgency to the issue.”
Steward also noted that other words, including “women” and “affirmative action,” had previously raised concerns. In the interim dean’s statement, university officials confirmed those words—along with “Black”—are not prohibited. '
To read the full statement from Cecil Howard, Interim Dean, FAMU College of Law, see below:
I want to address directly a recent media segment involving our College of Law and to ensure you have the facts.
Last week, News 6 Orlando reported that certain words—including the word “Black”—had been restricted on Black History Month promotional materials for one of our student organizations. Upon learning of this, I immediately met with some of the students involved to provide clarification and to state unequivocally: the word “Black” is not prohibited. No such restriction exists, and none has been directed by university leadership.
Once this matter came to the attention of FAMU President Marva Johnson, the University quickly engaged a Florida higher education law expert who unequivocally opined and confirmed that uses of the word “black” or phrase “Black History Month” in no way violate the letter, spirit or intent of Florida Senate Bill 266, Board of Governors Regulation 9.016, or relevant federal guidance.
I fully concur with this expert legal opinion. There is nothing in Senate Bill 266 or Board of Governors Regulation 9.016 that prohibits the use of the word “Black” or the phrase “Black History Month.” These provisions address the expenditure of state and federal funds on programs that advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion as specifically defined. They do not prohibit the use of any word—not “Black,” not “women,” not “affirmative action.” The regulation explicitly protects the speech and expressive activity of student-led organizations. The Black Law Students Association is precisely such an organization.
What occurred was a staff-level error—an overly cautious interpretation that went beyond what the law requires. It has been corrected, and I take full responsibility for ensuring it does not happen again.
The University has investigated this matter and will implement any required corrective measures to ensure consistent and continued compliance with all laws and regulations.
To that end, I have taken the following steps. I have met with our law communications team to develop an enhanced review process for student organization promotional materials, including a standardized escalation protocol and a secondary review mechanism to ensure greater clarity and consistency. Pending full implementation of this process, I will assume sole and final review and approval authority for all communications and event-related materials.
As part of these efforts, we are aligning the College of Law’s communications review processes and compliance protocols with main campus operations. We are one university, and our standards will be consistent across all colleges and units.
Finally, I want to remind all students that if you believe any university policy is being misapplied, you have the right to raise your concerns through the University’s established grievance process. That process exists to protect you, and I encourage you to use it whenever you believe it is warranted.
Florida A&M University is the state’s only public Historically Black University. The word “Black” is central to our mission. Compliance with state law will never require us to erase our identity—and this administration will not allow it.
Should you have any questions or wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.
Cecil Howard, Interim Dean, FAMU College of Law