Florida A&M University, the state's only public historically Black college, is involved in a dispute over diversity, equity and inclusion policies and the selection of its next president. Students and alumni say Gov. Ron DeSantis' involvement reflects a broader effort to reduce state support for diversity programs.

Florida

Florida A&M University, the state's only public historically Black college, is at the center of a dispute involving diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and the appointment of its next president. The university's board of governors approved Marva Johnson as president, despite opposition from students and alumni who question her qualifications and the selection process. 

Critics argue that Johnson, a former telecommunications executive and close aide to Governor Ron DeSantis, lacks the necessary experience and represents a broader state effort to limit support for DEI programs. DeSantis previously signed legislation banning funding for DEI initiatives at universities and restricting certain high school courses. A group of students and alumni has filed a lawsuit challenging Johnson's appointment, citing concerns about the process.

Behind DeSantis' involvement in FAMU president search

Tonight, Florida A&M, the state's only public historically black college, is involved in a dispute over diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, and the selection of its next president. Students and alumni say the governor's involvement reflects a broader effort to reduce state support for diversity programs. CBS's Manuel Bajorquez reports from Miami. Politics and not merit was why FAMU Board of Trustees sent Marva Johnson to you. The meeting was contentious. The candidate does not meet the qualifications as set before us by our own presidential search committee. Motion carries, congratulations. But the board of governors approved the controversial nominee, Marva Johnson, to be president of Florida A&M University. As I step into this role, I recognize the legacy that I carry. FAMU! But there's been a groundswell of students and alumni of the historically black college opposed to her selection. Yes, she may look like us. Yes, she may try to talk like us, but she is not for us, and she does not represent us. Critics argue Johnson lacks the experience. She served for six years on the Florida State Board of Education, but has spent more than 21 years in telecommunications, and is a close aide to Governor Ron DeSantis. I hear your concerns, and my door will always be open. Some see the nomination as another move by the governor to restrict diversity and inclusion programs in Florida schools. In 2023, DeSantis signed a bill that banned funding for DEI programs at universities, and blocked advanced placement African-American courses at high schools. DEI is better viewed as standing for discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination, and that has no place in our public institutions. Shakesha Kidd is an alumna who pledges to continue holding Johnson accountable. The issue is that philosophically, we are in a time where we are one of many institutions that are part of this higher education takeover in the state of Florida. Johnson is set to start as president of the school on August 1st, but a group of students and alumni has filed a lawsuit trying to stop that, arguing there were problems with the selection process.

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