Breaking Barriers at the University of Florida
Britney Deas, a 25-year-old law student at the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law, has made history by becoming the first Black woman to be appointed as the chief justice of the UF Supreme Court.
This groundbreaking achievement was announced at the start of Black History Month, a fitting time to celebrate Deas’ remarkable accomplishments.
In her new role, Deas will oversee student hearings, disputes, and appeals, working alongside four associate judges to uphold the integrity of the university’s judicial process. Deas, who is a Miami native, originally joined the UF Supreme Court in the Spring of 2023 as an associate justice, paving the way for her historic appointment.
A Trailblazer’s Journey
Deas’ path to this prestigious position has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements. During her undergraduate years at the University of South Florida, she became the first Black woman to be elected as the student body president, a position she held for a year until graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
“Representation is so important, because it’s sometimes hard to imagine yourself in a position unless you see somebody else do it,” Deas said. “With me being able to break glass ceilings for others to now imagine themselves in those positions is truly humbling.”
Deas’ unwavering dedication to serving her community and making a positive impact has been a driving force throughout her academic and professional journey. As a Congressional intern in U.S. Rep.
Kathy Castor’s Washington, D.C. office, Deas gave a presentation on H.R. 2914 (the Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act), which ultimately led to the bill being co-sponsored, paving the way for the addition of suicide prevention resources to student ID cards to become a federal law.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Deas’ appointment as the first Black woman chief justice of the UF Supreme Court is not just a personal accomplishment, but a powerful symbol of progress and representation. She is acutely aware of the importance of her role in inspiring others, particularly young Black women, to strive for similar heights.
“I have a profound desire to improve my community and be an advocate for those who need someone to be their voice,” Deas said. “I can save lives by guaranteeing equal social opportunities and protection under the law.”
As she embarks on her term as chief justice, Deas has set ambitious goals, including the creation of a law school checklist for undergraduate students interested in applying and the invitation of Florida law experts to speak about their careers. These initiatives aim to empower and inspire the next generation of legal professionals.
Joanna Auchettl, Deas’ advisor at the Levin College of Law, expressed her admiration for Deas’ achievements, stating, “Britney is extremely motivated and I greatly admire that about her. I do believe Britney will inspire others as her accomplishments show what hard work and determination can bring.”
