UF is eliminating thousands of dollars in funding and staff support for several identity-centered welcome assemblies, potentially jeopardizing events meant to acclimate new Gators to campus.
The cuts will affect the annual welcome assemblies of at least four student organizations: the Black Student Union, Pride Student Union, Hispanic-Latine Student Association and Women’s Student Association. The assemblies, funded by UF’s Signature Events program, hosted incoming students each August with performances, food, merchandise and opportunities to get involved on campus.
A university spokesperson didn’t respond to questions about the funding cuts, and the leaders of affected organizations said administrators didn’t explain the rationale for the decision. Some students fear it’s the latest example of how efforts to dismantle diversity initiatives impact campus life with uncertain benefits for students…