FAMU students erupted in protest when they discovered this DeSantis ally could take over their university

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has unleashed a tidal wave of anger at the state’s only public historically Black college.

Students and alumni turned out in force to push back against his attempt to change the school.

And FAMU students erupted in protest when they discovered this DeSantis ally could take over their university.

DeSantis corporate ally named finalist for FAMU presidency

Students at Florida A&M University are fighting to protect their school’s 137-year legacy after learning that Marva Johnson, a corporate executive with close ties to Governor Ron DeSantis, could become their next president.

Johnson, who lacks academic administrative experience but has served on DeSantis-appointed boards, was named one of four finalists to lead the historically Black university despite widespread opposition from the FAMU community.

The controversy comes after DeSantis has spent years targeting diversity programs and woke history education in Florida schools. 

His administration has banned the use of taxpayer money for diversity initiatives at public colleges and restricted the teaching of woke American history.

During a campus interview with trustees, Johnson, a lobbyist and executive for Charter Communications, openly acknowledged her lack of academic credentials but promoted her corporate and political connections instead.

“I’m not going to be the best academian at this point in my career,” Johnson told the board, according to The Associated Press. “As the leader, I am championing resources. I am moving mountains if they get in your way.”

Students rally to defend their university’s mission

While Johnson faced questioning from trustees, dozens of FAMU students and alumni gathered across campus in protest, with some chanting “No MAGA Marva!” – referring to President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan.

Elijah Hooks, a political science student at FAMU and chief of staff at the Florida Student Association, warned that DeSantis’ allies want to control what students can learn.

“They want students to not learn things such as Black studies,” Hooks told the crowd. “They want them to be controlled by certain narratives and certain beliefs.”

The student leader said efforts to “restrict what we can and cannot learn” amounted to a “spit in the face” to his ancestors.

FAMU was established in 1887 with a core mission to educate African Americans – a purpose explicitly written into the founding law. 

Over the generations, the university has produced countless lawyers, pharmacists, architects, and engineers, providing crucial opportunities for descendants of enslaved people.

Pattern of conservative takeovers at Florida universities

The potential appointment of Johnson continues a troubling pattern for many woke FAMU supporters, who point to DeSantis’ previous interventions at other state universities.

Hooks specifically mentioned recent attempts by DeSantis allies to overhaul the University of West Florida and New College of Florida – actions that critics have described as hostile political takeovers designed to impose conservative ideology.

Fears about FAMU’s future independence run deep among supporters, who note the university has historically received less funding than predominantly white institutions like nearby Florida State University, despite serving a vital role in educating Black students.

Some worry the DeSantis administration could cut signature programs or even revive a 1960s proposal to merge FAMU with Florida State University, effectively erasing its distinct identity and mission.

This leadership struggle comes at a particularly vulnerable time for FAMU. 

The university faced scrutiny last year over its vetting of a questionable multimillion-dollar donation, which led to the resignation of then-president Larry Robinson.

That resignation created the current opening – precisely when DeSantis and his appointees have been consolidating control over Florida’s public university system.

Decision expected soon as tensions rise

Despite growing opposition, FAMU Trustee Deveron Gibbons, who chairs the presidential search committee, has defended the selection process as “transparent” and “inclusive.”

“I’m grateful to my fellow trustees, who have approached this process with integrity and care every step of the way,” Gibbons said. “Their commitment has been instrumental in stewarding a process that reflects the values and aspirations of the FAMU community.”

The FAMU Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on the finalists this Friday. 

Their selection must then be confirmed by Florida’s Board of Governors, which oversees the state university system.

Representatives for Governor DeSantis did not respond to The Associated Press’s request for comment on the situation.