| Dear Colleagues: I am writing to tell you about a preliminary court injunction suspending the implementation and enforcement of House Bill 7 (Individual Freedom Act) as it relates to state universities. State legislation passed this spring amended the Florida civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against students and employees by defining certain acts relating to training and instruction as discrimination. The Florida Board of Governors developed a new regulation to implement the law, and state universities, including UCF, followed by approving corresponding regulations and policies. However, after a court challenge, a U.S. District Court has issued a preliminary injunction suspending enforcement of the law while the lawsuit continues. As a consequence, BOG regulation 10.005 and UCF regulation 3.002 are suspended pending further court action, and UCF policy 2-017 has been revoked. I will update you if the status of the injunction changes. Meanwhile, you should teach in the manner that I believe you always have and as is our professional responsibility: to teach appropriate topics, even if challenging and controversial; to educate, not indoctrinate; and to teach, not preach. Civil discourse among people of differing perspectives and views is essential to learning and engaging in the college experience, and my time at UCF has shown me that our faculty navigate these conversations well. These guidelines can help you foster civil discourse, especially with contentious subjects. I am very grateful to know that you make UCF a beacon of learning for everyone within our community. Thank you, and Happy Thanksgiving. |
Nov 22, 2022
News about the House Bill 7 Preliminary Injunction
UCF Provost Michael D. Johnson updates the faculty about the House Bill 7 preliminary injunction and what it means to them.
