Your Florida Daily: State leaders remove sociology as core class amid DEI crackdown at universities

ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida’s Board of Governors has voted to ban state spending on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs across all public universities in the state.

This affects Florida’s 12 public universities, including UF, UCF and FSU.

Florida’s Board of Governors defined DEI as “any program, campus activity, or policy that classifies individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, gender identity, or sexual orientation and promotes differential or preferential treatment of individuals on the basis of such classification.”

At the same meeting Wednesday, board members agreed to eliminate the core class “Principles of Sociology” and replace it with a general American History course called “Introductory Survey to 1877.”

Last week, Florida’s education board approved similar rules limiting funding in public colleges.

Financial incentives could come to chains looking to open in downtown Orlando

Leaders in Orlando are moving forward with a plan aimed at bringing more large chains downtown.

The city’s current Downtown Restaurant and Retail Stimulus Program provides independently-owned businesses up to $475,000 in funds.

The proposed expansion would make franchises eligible for $75,000 toward building improvements and $50,000 in rental assistance.

Reaction to the idea, though, appears mixed.

“There could always be more choices, this is a very popular place so why not you know,” one downtown resident told News 6.

“I think for me I would prefer small businesses ‘cause I can get franchises in the malls and the surrounding areas but downtown is so unique. I think I’d rather see small businesses grow,” another downtown resident said.

The measure must still pass another vote to become official. That could happen as soon as Feb. 5.

Downtown Orlando’s food scene has experienced a high turnover rate with numerous bars and restaurants closing and opening as other businesses over the past three years.

Ring will no longer allow police to request doorbell camera footage from users

Doorbell camera maker Ring announced it will no longer allow police departments to request videos directly from users.

Hundreds of law enforcement agencies had partnered with Ring to take part in the Request For Assistance program on the company’s app.

But Ring says, starting this week, agencies will have to submit search warrants to the company directly.

In mid-2022, Ring disclosed it handed over 11 videos to police without notifying users that year due to “exigent or emergency” circumstances, one of the categories that allow it to share videos without permission from owners.

The company did not provide a specific reason for the change but privacy advocates are calling the move a win for civil liberties.

Random Florida Fact

Ever wondered what it would be like to explore an abandoned theme park?

Well, there’s a free hidden gem in Port Orange attracting visitors with its prehistoric history. You can get an up-close look at dinosaur statues originally made for a theme park called Bongoland.

It was barely open for five years in the late 1940s but the structures are still standing at the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens.

News 6 Insider Guide Crystal Moyer did a whole story about it and has video of what it looks like today. Make sure you’re signed up to be a News 6 Insider (it’s free!) to see the story.

Check that out here.