NewsCreative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsSeptember 14, 2026Hillsborough County
Florida Professors Report Fear of Student Surveillance and Elimination of DEI Programs in Multi-State Survey
Photo: Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — News
A new 13-state survey of southern university faculty shows that over 250 Florida professors expressed concern over student spying, the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from general education, and canceled research grants. The responses reflect widespread apprehension among educators regarding state higher education policies.
Read the full story at Creative Loafing Tampa Bay — NewsWhy It Matters
The survey documents faculty sentiment regarding higher education restrictions in Florida, affecting campus working conditions, curriculum offerings, and academic research funding.
Key Facts
- More than 250 Florida faculty members participated in the higher education policy survey.
- Surveyed Florida responses were part of a larger pool of nearly 2,800 faculty responses across 13 southern states.
- Professors expressed fears that students are spying on them.
- Faculty lamented the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from general education courses.
- Respondents noted concerns regarding canceled research grants.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationTurning Point“Organization associated with political activist students.”locationFlorida“Jurisdiction where surveyed faculty members are employed.”OrganizationNational Endowment for the Humanities“Source of research funding mentioned by a professor.”OrganizationAmerican Association of University Professors“Conducts annual higher education policy surveys.”OrganizationCreative Loafing Tampa“Publisher of the news article.”PersonCharlie Kirk“Conservative influencer founded Turning Point.”OrganizationNational Institutes of Health“Source of research funding with low funding rates.”