'I'm utterly disgusted': NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith enraged by University of Florida eliminating DEI department

Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame NFL player Emmitt Smith sounded off with vehement opposition to the University of Florida closing its diversity, equity, and inclusion department.

Smith, who most famously played for the Dallas Cowboys in perhaps their most well-known era in the 1990s, took to his X account to react to the news that the University of Florida would comply with state law and shut down their DEI operations.

"I’m utterly disgusted by [University of Florida's] decision and the precedent that it sets," Smith said in a statement. "Without the DEI department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies in athletic programs."

Regulations were passed in Florida in January 2024 that limited public funding for any DEI programs, defining them as "any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification."

As Fox News reported, the university closed their department that employed 13 full-time DEI workers and another 15 administrative positions.

Smith also played at the university and is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, as well.

"We need diverse thinking and backgrounds to enhance our University and the DEI department is necessary to accomplish those goals," Smith continued, seemingly pushing that the department enhances diversity of thought.

The running back interestingly also accused the school of conforming to modern political times and made no mention that the school was following state regulations.

"Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues with this decision, UF has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time."

Smith finished by stating that the school was closing its doors to minorities and blaming those who haven't spoken out against the decision as supporting systemic problems.

"To the MANY minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about this decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight. And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the side lines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues."

Smith recently praised the addition of NARCAN on flights on Southwest Airlines. NARCAN is a drug that helps prevent lethal overdoses.

"This is [sic] example of not making excuses and getting things done that protect other Americans," he wrote.

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