Editor’s note: The organization has scrubbed the diversity policy from its website after the publication of this report. This story has also been updated to include a response from Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jay Collins.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins was praised by Gov. Ron DeSantis when appointed to the new post as championing anti-diversity, equity and inclusion policies – but Collins’ premier nonprofit group is deeply entrenched in pushing the ideology, going so far as mandating yearly DEI training and applying DEI in its selection of contractors and vendors.
Collins began involvement with Operation BBQ Relief in 2018, and is the outgoing chief operating officer, according to a Facebook post from the group on Aug. 12. Collins is also listed as a “Title Officer” on the group’s SunBiz page.
Collins primarily served as chief program officer, according to the group’s financial documents, making around $170,000 per year, totaling hundreds of thousands across his entire tenure.
The organization has received millions of dollars in contracts from the Florida government and has an expansive and documented DEI policy. The group lists “diversity & inclusion policy” on its website, pointing to a document dated Aug. 24, 2020.
The organization mandates yearly DEI training, with the document’s page three stating: “Continuing mandatory annual training and education for OBR employees and key role volunteers with regard to inclusion and diversity.”
Collins responded to the report Monday, saying it’s “fabricated.”
In the group’s policy statement, it says the diversity policy “must be applied with equal force and effect,” and should apply to independent contractors, beneficiaries – people or groups the organization assists – on top of vendors, volunteers, employees, interns, the board of directors and collaborating peer organizations.
The organization even applies its diversity policies in hiring practices, compensation, benefits, promotion, terminations and volunteer roles.
“The purpose of this policy is to memorialize in writing that Operation BBQ Relief (“OBR”) is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion across all of its activities, programs, and businesses,” the document states.
The policy states Operation BBQ is “committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion across all of its activities, programs, and businesses.”
“We’re proud to share some big news about our outgoing COO, Jay Collins. Jay joined OBR in 2018 and has been a driving force ever since,” the group said Aug. 12. “Jay, thank you for your leadership, your example, and the countless ways you’ve helped OBR grow. We’re cheering you on all the way.”
Then-senator, Collins has railed against DEI, stating in a post from March, “DEI is dead. Equality is not equity and opportunity is not outcome.”
But Collins’ organization Operation BBQ had a different tune on the issue, the group declaring that its environment must be “built on the premise of gender and diversity equity.”
“The ideologies of diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusion should be our guiding principles,” the group concluded. “They represent the concepts by which we best further and achieve our charitable mission.”
And at a press conference last week, DeSantis praised Collins’ involvement, saying, “He was leading charities that would respond after disasters.”
“My mission at Operation BBQ Relief was feeding people in their darkest hour. Over 12 million meals served across 42 states and the Bahamas,” Collins said Monday, after this report was published. “When Hurricane Ian hit Ft. Myers, I didn’t run to cameras. We lived in tents and campers making sure families had food and water. I will always roll up my sleeves for Floridians.”
“I have stood with Gov. Ron DeSantis against DEI,” he said. “In Florida, woke is dead on arrival.”
Florida’s Voice has reached out to Collins for a live, unedited interview and response regarding this report on , and will update this story if he accepts.
DeSantis responded to the report from Florida’s Voice Monday, saying, “For years Florida has led the revolution against the woke mind virus and Jay Collins has been fighting alongside us every step of the way.”
“From eliminating DEI and nuking ESG to stopping CRT and banning CBDC, Jay has stood strong for conservative values — and has never wavered,” he said. “Implying he is woke is a joke. That dog won’t hunt.”
Collins, a decorated Army green beret, ran for Florida Senate in 2022, ultimately being tapped for the lieutenant governor position this month.
When DeSantis appointed Collins, the governor said, “He helped us defeat the woke agenda in Florida. CRT, DEI, ESG – all in the dustbin of history in the sunshine state because of our efforts.”
Collins has made multiple efforts during his time as state senator to facilitate disaster and emergency relief, not only traveling to places like Israel, but assisting with hurricane relief in Florida.
“[Collins] has led disaster relief missions and helped rescue Floridians in danger—a record of public service that speaks for itself,” DeSantis said earlier in August. “In the Senate, he has passed more than 40 bills and been a champion for veterans and military families, education freedom, law and order, and responsible fiscal stewardship.”