"Law student Aaliyah Steward told Orlando's News 6 she heard "we couldn't use the word 'Black' in Black History Month; we needed to abbreviate it." The news broadcast then showed a flier that conformed to this, abbreviating it as "BHM." After News 6 broke the story Friday, it reported that the artist SZA and others denounced the censorship on social media."
"This week, FAMU College of Law interim dean Cecil Howard emailed the college's community that "the word 'Black' is not prohibited" and no such restriction "has been directed by university leadership," according to a copy of the message that FAMU sent Inside Higher Ed. Howard wrote that the university "quickly engaged a Florida higher education law expert," who confirmed the word doesn't violate Florida's Senate Bill 266."
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University temporarily objected to its Black Law Students Association using the word "Black" on Black History Month fliers, prompting use of the abbreviation "BHM." A law student reported being told to abbreviate the term. News coverage generated public criticism, including denouncements from artists and others. Interim dean Cecil Howard emailed that the word "Black" is not prohibited and no such restriction originated from university leadership. A consulted Florida higher education law expert confirmed the word does not violate Florida Senate Bill 266, a 2023 law limiting spending on DEI advocacy. The university characterized the incident as a staff-level error. President Marva Johnson reiterated that use of "Black" and "Black History Month" does not violate SB 266, Board regulation 9.016, or relevant federal guidance.
Read at Inside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
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