JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Five years ago, in the aftermath of the racial justice protests of 2020, diversity, equity and inclusion — commonly known as DEI — became a centerpiece of corporate pledges, government initiatives and university policies across the United States. Major companies announced diversity commitments, cities created equity offices and colleges expanded programs designed to address racial and gender disparities.
Today, the landscape looks markedly different.
Across the country, corporations have quietly and some loudly, scaled back some diversity programs, universities have dismantled offices or rewritten policies, and in several states lawmakers have moved to restrict the use of DEI in government and education. In Florida, the shift has been among the most aggressive.
This week, the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature passed legislation banning cities and counties from funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives — a move that could reshape how local governments operate across the state.
The measure, known as SB 1134, prohibits local governments from creating DEI offices, funding diversity programs or taking official actions tied to race, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. It also includes an unusual enforcement mechanism: local elected officials who violate the law could be accused of “misfeasance or malfeasance,” potentially allowing the governor to suspend them from office.
The bill now heads to Ron DeSantis, who is expected to sign it, continuing a multi-year effort to dismantle DEI programs across Florida government, universities and public schools.
The issue carries particular significance in Jacksonville, where two local lawmakers helped drive the legislation.
State Rep. Dean Black, a Republican from the Jacksonville area and one of the bill’s sponsors, argued that DEI policies undermine merit-based systems.
“The American Dream ought to guarantee equal opportunity for everyone,” Black said during debate on the bill. “But DEI has to die because it’s in our way.”
Supporters say the measure will ensure government decisions are based on qualifications rather than identity.
Opponents argue it could limit programs designed to address historic inequities or support minority communities.
Jacksonville leaders are now reviewing what the legislation could mean for city programs, contracts and community partnerships.
Mayor Donna Deegan, who took office in 2023 as the city’s first female mayor, has emphasized unity and economic opportunity in her administration.
While the city has not operated a large standalone DEI office like some municipalities, city officials say they are assessing whether programs tied to workforce diversity, minority-owned business outreach and community engagement could be affected by the new law.
Municipal leaders across Florida have expressed concern about the breadth of the legislation, saying its language could impact everything from cultural celebrations to partnerships with nonprofits serving minority communities.
Critics say the law’s wording is so broad it could discourage cities from supporting events or programs tied to identity groups, including heritage celebrations or LGBTQ community activities.
Supporters counter that local governments should not use taxpayer money for programs that prioritize identity categories.
The new law represents the latest step in a broader campaign by Florida officials to dismantle DEI programs across public institutions.
In 2023, the state approved legislation restricting diversity programs and certain academic disciplines at public universities, part of a sweeping effort to reshape higher education policies.
Since then, lawmakers have continued expanding those restrictions into other sectors of government.
The new legislation extends the ban directly to city halls and county governments.
For Jacksonville and other cities, the immediate impact may involve reviewing policies, contracts and training programs to ensure compliance.
Some local governments have already begun preparing for the possibility that they may need to eliminate or restructure diversity-related initiatives in order to avoid legal challenges or sanctions.
The law also raises new political risks for elected officials, since residents would be able to file legal complaints against leaders they believe violated the statute.
The national debate over DEI has become one of the defining political and cultural issues of the decade.
Five years ago, many institutions publicly embraced diversity initiatives as part of a broader reckoning with racial inequality.
Now, the pendulum has swung sharply in several states.
Supporters of the new restrictions say the shift will return public institutions to principles of neutrality and merit.
Critics warn it could roll back programs designed to expand opportunity and representation for historically marginalized groups.
For Jacksonville and communities across Florida, the long-term effects remain uncertain.
But one thing is clear: a policy framework that dominated public life just a few years ago is rapidly disappearing from government — leaving cities, universities and corporations to navigate what comes next.