Defending Diversity: Why Voting Against HB 999 is Crucial for Protecting Multicultural Greek Life

Image by ASphotofamily on FreePik

Some factors that students consider before choosing a college include academic quality, cost, graduation rates, etc. Yet, for some, whether or not they will be at an institution that promotes and protects diversity is also a top concern. Certain states which lean politically conservative have a tendency to undervalue such efforts. 

22-year-old Miami native Brigid Moore preferred the East Coast for higher education to her home state of Florida. 

“It was a pretty tough decision. Florida has the Bright Futures program, where if you have a certain GPA and a number of community service hours, I believe it covers your tuition at Florida Public Universities. Florida State University was my second choice, but ultimately…I also wanted to get out of the state to broaden my horizons,” said Moore. 

In late February of this year, Florida Representative Alex Andandre of the Republican party introduced House Bill 999, titled “Public Postsecondary Educational Institutions,” to limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in public Florida universities, among other restrictions. Under the bill, college courses, majors, and programs relating to DEI could potentially be banned. The legislation uses vague, undefined blanket statements on what it aims to prohibit, such as “unproven, theoretical, or exploratory content” relating to race issues, and thus puts at risk many DEI efforts. 

While the legislation is currently pending, it poses real threats to faculty and students in Florida, to whom education on and issues surrounding diversity are important. This may also involve Greek life organizations dedicated to students of color. 

In the first rendition of the bill, line 341 stated that funds used to “promote, support, or maintain any programs or campus activities that violate s. 1000.05 or that espouse diversity, equity, and inclusion [DEI] or Critical Race Theory rhetoric” were not allowed. This line explicitly banned monetary state funds to support campus activities, which included Greek life. However, after much pushback, the bill was slightly amended to allow funds to student organizations that “otherwise would violate” the s.1000.05 as long as they are in line with each public universities’ own regulations. But this greater regulation that Greek life falls under would still be affected and controlled by HB 999 if it were to go into effect. 

Despite the change, many continue to find HB 999 to be unconstitutional and a legitimate endeavor to undermine multicultural Greek life.

Moore feels HB 999 is just another attempt by supporters of Ron DeSantis, such as Rep. Andandre, to strip the rights of marginalized communities. 

Although many are outspoken against HB 999, especially many students, professors, and residents of Florida, as shown by the multiple protests across Florida Universities to demonstrate their disapproval of HB 999, there are certainly those who feel HB 999’s limitations are necessary. 

“People from privileged identities feel threatened, that they are not on top anymore, and these people that they don’t like are suddenly proud of themselves and showing that to society,” said Moore. “I know poverty and poor education also, unfortunately, play a role in that too, particularly in rural communities. They are a lot more vulnerable to the propaganda that comes their way. It’s sad because a lot of people say, ‘That’s what they get for voting for Ron DeSantis,’ but no, an entire state should not be punished…even though these marginalized communities are mobilizing to the best of their ability, they can only do so much.” 

Moore also spoke on the state of Florida campuses with HB 999 looming over schools. “There is definitely a lot of fear and tension for what it can cause in the future,” said Moore. I know students at Florida State University, which is right next to the capital, and they have had a great expression of frustration and rage.” 

Students here at Syracuse University have made efforts to support POC Greek Life in Florida and continue to push forth their own initiatives to better diversify the campus. Recently, on April 10th, The Alpha Nu chapter of the multicultural organization Sigma Beta Rho in conjunction with The Pi chapter of Latino America Unida, Lambda Alpha Upsilon, held an event titled “Let’s Discuss: Critical Race Theory” to speak on how race and power interact with each other, and how critical race theory educates students on this dynamic. 

Sigma Rho Beta Brother and Junior Saud Alqabi explained why the event was necessary. Saud, an international student from Saudia Arabia, has felt that while consciousness of racial issues has improved at Syracuse University since he started his undergraduate degree, there are still limitations to traditional Greek Life, including the National Pan-Hellenic Greek Council and The Interfraternity Council. 

“We took part of [the event] in order to raise awareness of other races and what issues they might have,” said Alqabi. “I wanted to spread awareness about my culture due to the fact there is a lack of cultural appreciation in IFC.”  

Multicultural Greek life plays an essential role in creating a diverse and inclusive university environment. These organizations provide a safe and supportive space for students of different races, ethnicities, and cultures to unite and celebrate their identities. By limiting DEI efforts in public universities, the bill could lead to decreased funding and support for multicultural Greek organizations, ultimately diminishing their impact on campus. 

Defending diversity in all its forms is crucial for ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Voting against HB 999 is paramount for protecting multicultural Greek life and preserving the gains made in DEI efforts in Florida universities. For the students, It is imperative that lawmakers listen to the voices of those who will be most affected by this legislation. 

“It’s so scary. College especially is when people are away from home and get to explore their identity,” said Moore. “No one should feel like they’re going to be banned.”