Haywood Brown explained how University of South Florida simply changed DEI terms to avoid legal scrutiny
The University of South Florida changed some DEI terminology within its school to avoid legal scrutiny, according to a doctor who has since resigned.
Do No Harm released audio of Dr. Haywood Brown discussing the “slippery” ways the medical school got around Florida’s ban on DEI at public universities as well as federal law. He has since resigned, according to Fox News, which first reported on the story.
“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,” a University of South Florida spokesperson told Fox News on Tuesday. “In response, he has chosen to resign effective immediately.”
The former associate vice president of academic affairs gave the talk at Virginia Commonwealth University.
That medical school also faced allegations of trying to get around the Supreme Court’s 2023 ban on affirmative action. The school explored ways to “work around the [Supreme Court] ruling on affirmative action” during the creation of a scholarship program, according to public records documents obtained by Do No Harm.
“I really want to discuss the threat of the anti-woke movement to medical education and training and health equity,” Brown also said in the video.
His title used to be “vice president for institutional equity.” This is one way the school made only cosmetic changes to positions.
He said further:
So we changed our name to healthcare access. 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 also said.
Brown also questioned the sincerity of the religious beliefs of Stephen Miller, a top advisor to President Donald Trump. Miller’s group America First Legal has filed lawsuits seeking to defend the civil rights of Americans who it alleges have been discriminated against on the basis of their race or sex.
🚨 BREAKING – In explosive leaked audio, top @USFHealth official Haywood Brown, MD, reveals how he is evading anti-DEI laws – and teaches doctors how to evade them as well.
“We no longer have a person who’s dedicated to [diversity]. We have a council that’s dedicated to it.… pic.twitter.com/oydHZfqVQd
— Do No Harm (@donoharm) March 18, 2025
“Well, Stephen Miller has already tried to attack the University of South Florida,” he said. “He’s a Dookie [Duke University alum]. We don’t claim him. He’s also, and he also claims to be Jewish, but we’ll see.”
The university said it follows all relevant laws.
“The University of South Florida is disappointed and troubled by the statements of Dr. Haywood Brown,” USF spokesperson Althea Johnson told the Tampa Bay Times. “The university follows all state and federal guidance, policies and laws, and any suggestion otherwise by Dr. Brown is untrue.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office told Fox News the state “immediately ensured [Brown’s] relationship with our university system has ended,” DeSantis Communications Director Bryan Griffin said.
“This individual’s employment at the University of South Florida is over today, and he is no longer welcome to work in Florida education.”
MORE: Michigan State University opens $38 million ‘sanctuary’ for ‘minorities’
IMAGE CAPTION AND CREDIT: Former University of South Florida administrator Dr. Haywood Brown addresses medical school leaders about how to avoid a ban on DEI.; Do No Harm/X
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