A University of South Florida (USF) doctor has resigned after leaked audio revealed him bragging about circumventing laws restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Dr. Haywood Brown, who served as an associate vice president of Academic Affairs at USF, was recorded in a presentation last month at Virginia Commonwealth University discussing how he continued implementing DEI policies despite state and federal restrictions. Fox News obtained the footage, in which Brown admitted to avoiding Florida’s anti-DEI regulations and the Supreme Court’s ruling barring race-based college admissions.
“I really want to discuss the threat of the anti-woke movement to medical education and training and health equity,” Brown said in the video.
Previously holding the title of vice president for Institutional Equity at USF, Brown claimed his responsibilities remained unchanged even after his position was eliminated. “That didn’t change anything that I was doing already,” he said.
Brown further explained how USF rebranded its DEI office to focus on “cultural enrichment.”
“So we changed our name to healthcare access,” Brown said in the presentation. “Who could argue against that? How do you get healthcare excellence? You only get healthcare equity. If you have a workforce that can meet those needs. So my office changed its name, and we’re able to do that to culture and enrichment. And we had it codified by our Faculty Council and a task force. And so the fact that it comes to codify this. And as a result, this is now how we address our issues. And who can argue against culture and environment? You know. But we no longer have a person who’s dedicated to it. We have a council that’s dedicated to it.”
“Isn’t that slippery? As long as it works. That’s what we do,” he added.
Brown also noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling against “race-conscious” admissions would have little impact in Florida, as the state had already banned the practice in 1999.
A spokesperson for USF told Fox News, “Shortly after learning of Dr. Brown’s comments, the university decided to place him on administrative leave to allow for a thorough review of the matter. In response, he has chosen to resign effective immediately.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration took swift action following the revelation. DeSantis, who has led efforts against DEI initiatives, signed a law in 2023 prohibiting universities from using state funds to promote DEI programs.
“With the details of Mr. Brown’s actions and public commitments to violating state law and academic standards surfacing to our attention, our office has immediately ensured his relationship with our university system has ended,” said DeSantis Communications Director Bryan Griffin. “This individual’s employment at the University of South Florida is over today, and he is no longer welcome to work in Florida education.”
