First posted on Instagram
Florida Governor-elect Byron Donalds has ignited a fresh debate over diversity, equity and inclusion, saying the programs are no longer necessary and that merit, work ethic and strong families are what determine success — not race, gender or sexuality.
Donalds made the case in an exclusive interview published in M•I•A Media Group's 2026 Legacy Political Edition, defending Florida's move to end government-funded DEI. "I support Florida's decision to end government-funded DEI. I believe in diversity, and I believe in merit," he said. He said government should provide equal opportunities rather than guarantee equal outcomes, while acknowledging that discrimination still exists and promising to enforce the laws that prohibit it.
He made the same argument weeks earlier, at a town hall at Florida A&M University on September 29, where he was questioned about his support for Senate Bill 1134, a measure that would bar local governments from using tax dollars to fund or maintain DEI programs. Donalds said opportunities should be given to people based on diversity and merit, and that equity programs are actually contributing to the problems they are trying to fix, according to The FAMUAN, Florida A&M's student newspaper.
The remarks come days after Donalds won the November 3 election to become Florida's first Black governor, defeating Democrat David Jolly. A Republican congressman from Florida's 19th District and a close ally of President Donald Trump, Donalds takes office on January 8, 2027. He has described Florida as a meritocracy, where individuals and businesses should advance based on their abilities.
DEI supporters argue the initiatives remain important for addressing unequal opportunities and ensuring fair access to opportunity. Critics of ending the programs, including Black business advocates cited by M•I•A Media Group, contend that removing targeted assistance without addressing longstanding disparities in access to capital, financing and government contracts could leave qualified Black entrepreneurs at a competitive disadvantage.
Donalds grew up in Brooklyn in a single-parent household and moved to Florida at 17. He attended Florida A&M University before graduating from Florida State University with a degree in finance and marketing, served in the Florida House from 2016 to 2020, and has represented Florida's 19th Congressional District since 2021.
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