Controversial Appointment of Marva Johnson as FAMU President Sparks Outrage

Controversy Surrounds Appointment of New President at Florida A&M University

WASHINGTON—The recent appointment of Marva Johnson as president of Florida A&M University (FAMU), Florida's leading historically Black college and university, has sparked significant controversy. AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram has expressed strong opposition to the decision, highlighting concerns over the process and implications for the institution.

Ingram criticized the selection of Johnson, stating it reflects a strategy to influence educational centers by placing individuals without the necessary experience or qualifications in leadership roles. "The appointment of Marva Johnson as the president of FAMU is not only an insult to the presidential selection process and those working hard in the education profession; it’s a blatant power move," Ingram remarked. He suggested this is part of a broader effort described as a "Project 2025 playbook" aimed at controlling educational narratives and institutions.

The criticism extends to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who Ingram accuses of favoring political allies over qualified candidates. Similar concerns have been raised about DeSantis's influence at other educational institutions, such as Florida International University and potentially the University of West Florida, where Manny Diaz, the current Florida commissioner of education, is a finalist for a leadership position.

Ingram compared Johnson's appointment to that of U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, who faced backlash for her management of the Department of Education under President Donald Trump. According to Ingram, McMahon's lack of relevant experience led to detrimental outcomes, including staff layoffs and funding cuts. "McMahon has no relevant experience or skill set for the massive job Trump gifted her," he stated.

The appointment has raised concerns about FAMU's future, particularly regarding its commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ingram emphasized that these values are vital to the institution's identity and mission. He warned that efforts to "defund and re-engineer education" are intended to diminish the role of higher education in American society and silence dissenting voices.

In response to these developments, the AFT is planning to take action across multiple platforms, including legal challenges and public advocacy. "We are fighting in the courts. We are fighting through commerce. We are fighting in Congress and in the court of public opinion," Ingram declared. The focus now shifts to Johnson, with the AFT closely monitoring whether she will align with DeSantis's policies or prioritize FAMU's legacy and community.

Johnson's leadership will be scrutinized to see if she can "create an agenda that benefits the students, faculty, staff and alumni" and continue to enhance FAMU's global reputation, as noted by Ingram.

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel, higher education faculty and professional staff, federal, state and local government employees, nurses and healthcare workers, and early childhood educators.