Florida university reportedly denies student mental health access because he is White
A University of South Florida student was told he couldn't attend a group therapy session because he isn't a member of the BIPOC community
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A student at the University of South Florida (USF) was reportedly denied mental health services because he was not a member of the black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) community, according to communications obtained by Campus Reform.
Andrew Davis wanted to attend an "Understanding Self and Others" (USO) group therapy meeting, but he realized that none of the sessions worked with his schedule. Because of this, he asked USF's counseling center if he could attend the BIPOC meeting as it was the only time he could attend, but the university informed him this wasn't allowed.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"I am interested in attending a USO group meeting after completing the pre-group appointment but the only day/time that works for me is Wednesdays during the BIPOC students-only group," Davis inquired in an email. "I am not a BIPOC student but was wondering if I would still be able to attend?"
University of South Florida (USF) signage is displayed on the college's campus in Tampa, Florida, U.S., on Friday, Oct. 10, 2014. (Ebenhack/Bloomberg via Getty Images) ((Ebenhack/Bloomberg via Getty Images))
"Unfortunately, we do need to keep this space specific to BIPOC folks ... Hopefully you’ll be able to catch another one either during Winter break and/or next semester," the USF Counseling Center said in response.
On Oct. 5 2022, Davis filed a complaint with USF'S Office of Compliance & Ethics, eventually receiving a response on Feb. 8 of this year, according to Campus Reform.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A University of South Florida student wears a face mask while protesting in front of the residence where USF President Steven Currall lives on campus on July 2, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images) ( (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images))
"The Counseling Center will not prohibit any category of student [from] participating in specialized counseling groups unless specific exception, or a medical mandate is identified that may support exclusivity," the school responded.
In addition, Davis was reportedly targeted by Equal Opportunity Officer Kenneth Thomas during an Oct. 18 Microsoft Teams information-gathering meeting regarding the issue.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}David said Thomas "was accusatory" and "asked me if I even knew what BIPOC meant and if I understood the importance of those groups having their own discussion," according to Campus Reform.
"He did not seem concerned about my complaint and was more worried about the University's ability to continue these groups," Davis added.
University of South Florida student Jason Berry wears a face mask while protesting in front of the residence where USF President Steven Currall lives on campus on July 2, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images) ((Photo by Octavio Jones/Getty Images))
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}USF told Fox News Digital in a statement that the programs at the Counseling Center are open to individuals of all backgrounds.
"The Counseling Center staff works with each student individually to provide services based on their request and clinical need," USF added.
USF's DEI initiatives were exposed by Chris Rufo after he obtained public documents that showed the university segregated students by race, and "promotes the idea that white students should think ‘I feel bad for being white’ and ‘it's not my fault I’m white’ as part of their ‘racial identity development.'"
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Fox News' Joshua Nelson contributed to this report.