Action alert! State regulations affecting Higher Education

Protect Sociology

Regulation 8.005 – “General Education Core Course Options”

The Florida Board of Governors (BOG) passed Regulation 8.005 – General Education Core Course Options which removes SYG X000 Principles of Sociology as a general education core course option for students. UFF and FUSA are deeply concerned that removing this sociology course from the core course options available to students will significantly reduce enrollment in this subject area, which could lead to layoffs for faculty and fewer learning opportunities for students. Read more below and take action.

• Tampa Bay Times coverage
• Inside Higher Ed coverage
• Statement from the American Sociological Association

Take action

• Leave your public comment about this regulation on the Proposed Regulations page of the Florida BOG website. The comment window closes on 11/23, so make your voice heard now!
  • Here are some talking points to consider as you formulate your response.
  • Scroll down to “Chapter 8,” and select the “Submit a Comment” option on the right-hand side of the page. Doing so will launch a pop-up window where you can type your comment directly or copy-and-paste from a separate document.
• Use this link to register for UFF’s Sociology Working Group, which will bring together UFF leaders and members from across the state to coordinate actions that will protect and preserve the role of sociology for all of Florida’s higher education community. Faculty and supporters from every field are encouraged to attend! Nov. 30, at 3:30 pm ET, so set your calendars and show up ready to organize!

Protect DEI

Regulation 9.016 – “Prohibited Expenditures”

The Florida BOG also passed Regulation 9.016 – Prohibited Expenditures. It bans funding in support of DEI programs and strips funding from student groups that participate in political or social activism and/or advocate for positions on social issues. UFF unequivocally opposes this regulation, as it will only contribute to the atmosphere of censorship and exclusion enacted by previous legislation aimed at Florida’s higher education campuses, such as SB 266.

Take Action

• Leave your public comment about this regulation on the Proposed Regulations page of the Florida BOG website. The comment window closes on 11/23, so make your voice heard now!
  • Members who want more details about UFF’s position on this regulation should review our talking points, produced in conjunction with the First Amendment Foundation.
  • Scroll down to “Chapter 9,” and select the “Submit a Comment” option on the right-hand side of the page. Doing so will launch a pop-up window where you can type your comment directly or copy-and-paste from a separate document.