The University of North Florida received the 2017 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) award by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the third time UNF has been named a HEED Award recipient.
As a recipient of the annual HEED Award—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—UNF will be featured along with 79 other recipients in the magazine’s November issue.
“UNF is honored to be acknowledged for its excellent initiatives in the areas of diversity and inclusion,” said UNF President John Delaney. “The University is dedicated to diversity and inclusion in the classroom and throughout the campus community.”
INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected UNF based on its exemplary diversity and inclusion initiatives, which it continues to foster throughout all aspects of campus operations, programs, services and activities. “We take a holistic approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for institutions where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being accomplished every day across their campus,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.
The University continues to make great strides to foster its commitment to diversity and inclusion in employment, education and business in a variety of ways. For example, supplier diversity is a thrust in the newly named Procurement Services Department. Faculty are also more engaged in research and educational awareness demonstrated by the increasing number of competitively awarded Faculty Diversity and Inclusion Research Awards.
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity regularly conducts training for individuals who serve on search and screening committees as well as regularly reviews recruitment and personnel actions to foster diversity and inclusion. UNF also regularly conducts programs representative of various faiths and beliefs, supports student veterans through its Military Veterans Resource Center and promotes student, faculty and staff accessibility in educational programs and in the workplace.
Additionally, the University hosts several events on campus for underrepresented populations, including C.A.M.P. Osprey, Role Models of Excellence, Girls Rock Symposium and Success by Design, to name a few. UNF also works to provide opportunities for all students to access scholarship monies in a fair and equitable manner.
“The HEED award is a tribute to key decisions made during challenging times in society to ensure that UNF remains a competitive higher education university, where students successfully graduate and enjoy their student life, faculty and staff view it as a great place to work and the community acknowledges its worth and contributions,” said Cheryl Gonzalez, chief diversity officer at UNF.
INSIGHT Into Diversity is known for its annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award, which is the only award recognizing colleges and universities for outstanding diversity and inclusion efforts across campuses. In addition to its online job board, INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine presents timely, thought-provoking news and feature stories on matters of diversity and inclusion across higher education and beyond.
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Florida Supreme Court appoints Dade City attorney to Board overseeing Bar admissions
Larry Stewart Hersch of Dade City, Florida, has been appointed to membership on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners by the Supreme Court of Florida to succeed Barbara J. Pittman of Tampa, Florida. His term of office will begin November 1, 2017, and extend through October 31, 2022.
Mr. Hersch has his own law practice in Dade City, Florida. Mr. Hersch attended Oglethorpe University where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and Stetson University College of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1975. Mr. Hersch is the past president of the East Pasco Bar Association.
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners is an administrative agency of the Supreme Court charged with the responsibility of enforcing the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to The Bar. This involves the supervision of character background investigations as well as the administration and grading of the Florida Bar Examination.
The Board’s website, located at www.floridabarexam.org, has the Board’s computerized Bar Application forms available to applicants free of charge. The website also features the full text of the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to the Bar, Frequently Asked Questions and links to other agencies, including The Florida Bar and the Supreme Court.
Attorney General Bondi Activates Price Gouging Hotline as Hurricane Irma Approaches
Attorney General Pam Bondi tonight activated Florida’s price gouging hotline for all consumers in Florida. The opening of the hotline comes as Governor Rick Scott declares a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties in response to threats posed by Hurricane Irma—now a Category 4 hurricane that could impact the state this week.
“Floridians need to prepare now and they should not be inhibited by unlawful price increases on supplies necessary to brace for a major hurricane strike—that is why I’ve activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline and encourage anyone who suspects price gouging to report it to my office by calling (866)-9-NO-SCAM,” said Attorney General Bondi. “By reporting suspected price gouging you can protect yourself and your fellow Floridians.”
State law prohibits extreme increases in the price of essential commodities, such as food, water, hotels, ice, gasoline, lumber and equipment, needed as a direct result of an officially declared emergency. Anyone who suspects price gouging during this declared state of emergency should report it to the Attorney General’s Office by calling 1-866-9-NO-SCAM.
Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to civil penalties of $1,000 per violation and up to a total of $25,000 for multiple violations committed in a single 24-hour period, in addition to other civil penalties that may apply. State law also criminalizes the sale of goods and services to the public without possession of an occupational license. Violators of the law can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor.
Specifically, Section 501.160 Florida Statute states that during a state of emergency, it is unlawful to sell, lease, offer to sell, or offer for lease essential commodities, dwelling units, or self-storage facilities for an amount that grossly exceeds the average price for that commodity during the 30 days before the declaration of the state of emergency, unless the seller can justify the price by showing increases in its costs or market trends.
Gov. Scott Declares State of Emergency to Prepare Florida for Hurricane Irma
Governor Rick Scott today issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma – a major Category 3 storm approaching Florida. By declaring a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties, Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this dangerous storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.
Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma’s path – potentially impacting millions of Floridians. Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm. In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.
“In Florida, we know that the best way to protect our families in severe weather is to have a plan. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Hurricane Irma. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Hurricane Irma as it approaches Florida.”
Senator Lauren Book to Present $654,491 Appropriation to Protect Florida Jewish Day School Students
State Senator Lauren Book will be presenting a $654,491 check to Florida’s Jewish Day Schools to increase security measures in the wake of anti-Semitic bomb threats made earlier this year.
“As a Jewish woman, I am saddened and shocked by the hateful and emboldened actions of KKK and NeoNazi groups around the country – and right here in Broward County,” says Senator Lauren Book. “Earlier this year, more than 100 Jewish Day Schools received bomb threats — including our own Posnack School in Davie. These threats lead to evacuations, disruptions to classroom learning, and worst of all: fear in the hearts of children, families, and communities who want nothing more than to live and learn peacefully and safely. These funds will ensure security and safety for 10,000 Florida students, and provide peace of mind to Jewish children and families for years to come.”
Earlier this year, more than 100 Jewish centers across the country received bomb threats, sparking action on the local, state, and national levels. Following a threat to Posnack Jewish Day School in Davie this past March, Senator Book and her colleagues fought for this funding to increase security measures at Jewish Day Schools throughout the state. At this same time, U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former FBI Director James Comey to express alarm and urge action. The letter was cosigned by all 100 U.S. Senators.
The $654,000 appropriation will be distributed to 35 schools in 9 counties; 26 of these schools are located in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach Counties. The funds will be used to provide school safety measures for 10,000 students, including equipment, facility, and technology upgrades such as fences, blast proof doors, cameras, gates, communication equipment, monitoring systems, and security officers. The Florida Department of Education will issue an application process for schools to apply for funding.
The check will be presented Tuesday, September 5, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. during a school visit to Temple Beth Emet Day School, 4807 S. Flamingo Road, Cooper City.
Governor Rick Scott Appoints Colonel Chad Chronister as Hillsborough County Sheriff
Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Colonel Chad Chronister as Hillsborough County Sheriff upon the retirement of Sheriff David Gee for a term beginning September 30, 2017, and ending November 13, 2018.
Governor Rick Scott said, “Sheriff Gee has devoted his life to protecting Florida families, including the last 13 years as Hillsborough County Sheriff, and I’m incredibly grateful for his service. I’m honored to announce that following Sheriff Gee’s retirement, I am appointing Colonel Chad Chronister as Hillsborough County Sheriff. Colonel Chronister has spent 25 years in the Sheriff’s Office, rising through the ranks and proving himself to be a strong leader who exemplifies the office’s mission to serve, protect, and defend Florida families. I’m confident that he will continue Sheriff Gee’s great work in Hillsborough County.”
Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee said, “Colonel Chad Chronister’s decades of public service are a demonstration of remarkable law enforcement experience, leadership, community involvement, proven character and outstanding integrity. I have worked with Colonel Chronister throughout his 25 years in the Sheriff’s Office and he is undoubtedly qualified and capable of serving the citizens of Hillsborough County as Sheriff. I’d like to thank Governor Scott for his commitment to public safety and support of our state’s law enforcement as we serve and protect our communities. I have been truly honored to serve the citizens of Florida and Hillsborough County.”
Colonel Chad Chronister, 49, of Tampa, is a veteran law enforcement officer with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Chronister joined the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 as a patrol deputy and has served in specialty units and leadership roles, including his current position as Commander of the Department of Operational Support. He also serves his community as a board member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, Friends of Hillsborough County Animal Services, Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School, the Jason Ackerman Foundation, More Health, Inc. and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. Chronister received his Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree in Criminology from St. Leo University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 260th session.
President Negron: Army Corps of Engineers to Expedite Approval Process for Southern Reservoir
Florida Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) today released the following statement regarding progress on the southern reservoir project outlined in Senate Bill 10 (2017).
“Today I spoke with Col. Kirk and he confirmed that the United States Army Corps of Engineers intends to expedite the federal approval process for the reservoir project outlined in Senate Bill 10. The Corps has determined the best option for achieving southern storage is not to seek new federal authority, but to use existing authority to pursue a modification to the current EAA Project Implementation Report. This development is entirely consistent with the options and timeline outlined in Senate Bill 10 and achieves the Legislature’s goal of moving forward on southern storage as expeditiously as possible. I appreciate the Corps’ shared interest in promptly achieving our goal of reducing harmful discharges into our communities, and I look forward to continuing an efficient state and federal partnership on this important effort.”
Gov. Scott Meets with Lee County Officials to Discuss Flooding
Governor Scott today met with Lee county officials regarding this week’s flood event in Southwest Florida. Bonita Springs Mayor Peter Simmons and Lee County Undersheriff Carmine Marceno briefed Governor Scott on the flooding that occurred in Lee County this week. More than 100 people were housed in a local shelter and community leaders are working to help people quickly return to their homes.
Governor Scott said, “I want to thank the local officials for working to keep people safe here in Lee County. Responding to weather events like the flooding that occurred this week in Southwest Florida is something we take seriously. While there are currently no unmet needs from the local community, the State of Florida will continue to communicate and coordinate with our local partners.”
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Recovers Nearly $230,000 for Consumers in August
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recovered nearly $230,000 for Florida consumers during the month of August. Last year, the department recovered nearly $3 million for Florida consumers from moving companies, vehicle repair shops, pawn shops, health studios, telemarketers, sellers of travel and more.
During August 2017, the department:
- Recovered $228,112 on behalf of Florida consumers;
- Received 4,360 complaints;
- Initiated 336 investigations;
- Arrested 24 individuals;
- Provided assistance to 22,183 consumers through the 1-800-HELP-FLA hotline, online chats and emails; and
- Added 21,817 telephone numbers to Florida’s Do Not Call List.
As the state’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, the department educates the public, investigates complaints and provides mediation on behalf of consumers. The department’s call center is staffed with trained analysts who can respond to questions about programs and regulations under the department’s purview, provide information on a wide variety of topics or direct callers to the appropriate government agency.
Consumers who believe fraud has taken place can contact the department’s consumer protection and information hotline at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or, for Spanish speakers, 1-800-FL-AYUDA (352-9832). For consumer protection information and resources, visit FloridaConsumerHelp.com.
UT Honors Program Fall Symposia Series Kicks Off with Guest Speaker Dan Berger Sept. 14
The University of Tampa’s Fall 2017 Honors Program symposia series will kick off Monday, Sept. 14, with a presentation by Dan Berger, who teaches comparative ethnic studies and U.S. history at the University of Washington Bothell. Berger’s talk, titled “Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era,” begins at 4 p.m. in Reeves Theater in the Vaughn Center on the UT campus.
Berger is the author or editor of six books, including Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era, which won the 2015 James A. Rawley Prize from the Organization of American Historians.
Throughout the series, resident scholars and researchers at the University will present their areas of specialization.
In addition to Berger, guest speakers in the series include Alisha Gaines, assistant professor of English at Florida State University; Gina Duncan, director of transgender equality at Equality Florida; and Earnie Broughton, senior advisor to the Ethics and Compliance Initiative.
All lectures are free, open to the public and held on the UT campus. See below for a full schedule:
- Monday, Sept. 14: “Captive Nation: Black Prison Organizing in the Civil Rights Era,” Dan Berger, associate professor in the University of Washington Bothell School of Interdisciplinary Sciences, Vaughn Center, Reeve Theater, 4 p.m.
- Friday, Sept. 22: English and Writing Scholar’s Symposium with Alisha Gaines, assistant professor at Florida State University, where she teaches African American literature, Vaughn Center, Crescent Club, 4 p.m.
- Wednesday, Sept. 27: “Transgender Dynamics in Trump’s America,” Gina Duncan, director of transgender equality at Equality Florida, Plant Hall, Grand Salon, 4 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 16: “Wow! A Remixer’s Music Box,” Bradford Blackburn, chair/associate professor of music at UT, Vaughn Center, Trustees Board Room, 11 a.m.
- Friday, Oct. 27: “Foreigners or Felons,” Sarah Kirk, senior criminology and political science major at UT, Plant Hall, Music Room, 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 8: Ethics Hot Seat, Earnie Broughton, senior advisor to the Ethics and Compliance Initiative, Vaughn Center, Crescent Club, 5:30 p.m.
Please note that dates and locations are subject to change. For more information, contact the Honors Program at (813) 257-3545 or [email protected].
