Yes, that’s exactly as stupid as it sounds, and would not be out of place in The Onion or The Babylon Bee. Aaliyah Steward, a law student at FAMU, told Florida station News 6:

“We couldn’t use the word ‘black’ in Black History Month. We would have to abbreviate it,” she said. “I was very angry and baffled because this is a Historically Black College and University, and for them to say we can’t use the word ‘black’ was kind of insane.”

I have questions… Can we still call FAMU a Historically Black College and University, or is “HBCU” permanently required? Can we abbreviate the verboten word as “Blk,” or must we censor it, as we do expletives—“B***k”—so as not to offend? Or do we need to excise “Black” completely, and celebrate “History Month” at Florida’s only public “Historically College or University”?

Perhaps they’ll allow “Negro.” Or “Slave.”

FAMU also reportedly banned “affirmative action” and “women,” so perhaps we can anticipate “W***n’s History Month” in March.

After initially acknowledging the ban (“in full compliance” with state law), the university has since backtracked, with FAMU President Marva B. Johnson, J.D., writing in a statement to various media outlets:

As the state’s only public Historically Black University, the word “Black” is central to the mission and identity of Florida A&M University. We take seriously our responsibility to communicate clearly and consistently on matters of law, governance, and public accountability. The University unequivocally confirms that the use of the word “Black,” or the phrase “Black History Month,” does not violate the letter, spirit, or intent of Florida Senate Bill 266, Board of Governors Regulation 9.016, or any relevant federal guidance.

Cecil Howard, FAMU’s Associate Provost and Interim Dean of the College of Law, blamed staff:

Howard explained the issue was “a staff-level error—an overly cautious interpretation that went beyond what the law requires,” and that the university immediately engaged a Florida higher-education law expert who confirmed that neither state law nor Board of Governors rules ban use of the word “Black” or the phrase “Black History Month.”

It’s ridiculous that the word “black” requires legal affirmation of its use. We live in the dumbest timeline.

(Via Ronzilla.)