Rep. Steinberg and Sen. Hill Sponsor Diversity Bill

Representative Richard L. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach) and Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill Sr. (D-Jacksonville) are sponsoring House Bill 1093 during the 2010 session to require state colleges and universities to interview qualified minority applicants when hiring head athletic coaches and athletic directors.

The bill will require Florida’s state colleges and universities to interview at least one qualified minority applicant when hiring a head athletic coach or an athletic director.

The bill is modeled after the National Football League’s ‘Rooney Rule’ which calls for football franchises to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations positions. Currently, there is no such rule for college sports. HB 1093 will promote equitable employment opportunities in college athletics.

“Florida’s university athletic coaching positions are some of the most sought after positions in the nation,” said Representative Steinberg. “I hope that my colleagues in the Legislature will join me in passing this important legislation to ensure that our hiring practices in Florida are fair and that we attract the best talent. Our university teams will benefit tremendously with leadership that more accurately reflects the diversity of their student athletes and fans.”