Welp… It’s taking place. After issues that traditionally Black schools and universities (HBCUs) are being attacked by President Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda, one of the vital prestigious HBCUs within the deep South has chosen a brand new president with direct ties to the MAGA motion.
Florida A&M College’s board chosen Marva Johnson as its thirteenth president. She has no direct ties to any HBCU or any expertise in greater schooling, however that’s not even the perfect half! To make issues worse, Johnson beforehand served as a co-chair on certainly one of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ transition committees and was Board of Schooling chair for eight years below former Governor Rick Scott, in keeping with her FAMU bio.
To sum it up, Johnson, a Black lady, is a well known MAGA ally, and folk are pissed.
“To be thought-about for the chance to steer this storied establishment is the respect of a lifetime,” Johnson wrote in an announcement. “I’ll strategy this function with daring imaginative and prescient − centered on pupil success, innovation, and nationwide prominence − whereas constructing robust bridges with the FAMU group and honoring the legacy that makes this college so particular.”
The FAMU group isn’t taking this with no battle. A petition known as “FAMU Deserves Higher: College students and Alumni Oppose Marva Johnson for FAMU President” on Change.org has over 13,900 signatures.
So after information broke of Johnson’s win, folks had so much to say about what this implies for the way forward for FAMU. On X, @jazzvjack wrote, “Shame on the FAMU board for electing a literal maga [coon] to be the president of a literal HBCU.”
“The scholars have spoken, the alumni have spoken, school and workers have spoken,” FAMU Pupil Physique President Zayla Bryant mentioned. “Historical past has its eyes on us, and I’d be remiss if I have been to take my place in useless and never vote to be the voice [for students],” in keeping with the Tallahassee Democrat.
However whereas HBCU communities proceed to mourn FAMU’s new management, people on-line have been hilariously involved about one factor. “That wig. that make-up. yep, she’s one,” @jaedidastoo mentioned.
One other person, @mesidotcom, tweeted “We can inform by the wig.” @je_suis_tnt joked that Johnson’s “wig has crossed many a river.”
Folks introduced up latest makes an attempt by schools to elect lower than widespread management. @Valentae talked about how “The College of SC as soon as chosen an affiliate of our Governor with no greater Ed background to be president,” she mentioned referring to former USC President Robert Caslen, who resigned in 2021, according to NPR. “Didn’t finish properly,” @Valentae continued.
Curiously sufficient, FAMU isn’t the one Florida faculty in the midst of a management change. “They’re attempting to do the identical factor at FIU [Florida International University]. No expertise in any respect. only a right-wing bunny,” @Jwayy23 tweeted. Person @lili_jo__ tweeted, “Florida actually doesn’t care concerning the youth: their schooling and their wellbeing.”