by WorldTribune Staff, September 7, 2026 Non-AI Real World News
In March 2024, the University of Florida closed its Office of the Chief Diversity Officer, cut full-time DEI staff positions, ended administrative appointments for faculty members, and stopped external DEI vendor contracts.
As Florida kicked off its 2026 season against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, fans revived the ‘Gator Bait’ cheer that had been declared racist by leftists. / Video Image
The moves were made to comply with new state regulations under Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.
With DEI out, the university at its season opening football game against Florida Atlantic saw the return of the “Gator Bait” chant that the Left shamed the Gators into dropping amid the Antifa/BLM rioting in 2020.
Then UF President Kent Fuchs announced in June 2020 that the school’s band would no longer play the musical cue prompting fans to chant “Gator Bait” because of concerns about possible racial undertones.
“Art depicting alligator hunters using Black babies to lure the animals into the open was popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s,” ESPN reported.
New school president Stuart Bell said in June that “traditions matter” and hinted that the cheer could return because “it’s meaningful to the Gator family.”
“Gator Bait” has returned from the dead pic.twitter.com/qfWq6uZM8i
— Old Row Sports (@OldRowSports) September 6, 2026
Florida band brings back “Gator Bait” chant after it was banned for six years. pic.twitter.com/40IigtrTkM
— Jada Ross (@JadaRoss31) September 6, 2026
