June 18th 2025.
A group of individuals who have a strong connection and interest in Florida A&M University have taken legal action in the form of a lawsuit to investigate the selection of Marva Johnson as the university's next president. The lawsuit was filed by Tallahassee lawyers Mutaqee Akbar and Ennis Jacobs on behalf of ten FAMU alumni on June 16, as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat. This emergency "Petition for Temporary Mandatory Injunctive Relief" targets the members of the university's Board of Trustees who voted in favor of Johnson's appointment, as well as the Florida Board of Governors' chair Brian Lamb and Vice Chair Alan Levine.
The main point of contention in this lawsuit is whether proper procedures were followed in the selection and appointment of FAMU's 13th president. The plaintiffs believe that due process requirements and legal standards related to the operation and administration of an institution were not met in this process.
Prior to her selection, there were protests from students and notable alumni, including Will Packer, who were against Johnson becoming FAMU's president. The lawsuit raises concerns over potential political influence in the decision and questions Johnson's qualifications, citing her lack of experience in a leadership position as a group vice president at Charter Communications.
The timing of the lawsuit, just days before the Florida Board of Governors' meeting to vote on Johnson's confirmation, is significant. It aligns with ongoing opposition from alumni and others who are against a candidate with ties to the controversial MAGA movement leading such a prestigious HBCU. However, Jacobs clarifies that the intention of the lawsuit is not to prevent the Board of Governors' meeting, but rather to request an investigation into the selection process.
One of the major issues highlighted in the lawsuit is the lack of transparency in the process. The plaintiffs believe that there was an "undue secrecy standard" and raise concerns about the Florida Legislature's decision to allow FAMU to use additional university funds to cover Johnson's salary. This comes after the FAMU Foundation's proposed budget for 2025-26 fell short, with Johnson's first-year pay set at nearly $840,000.
Jacobs hopes that the outcome of the lawsuit will shed light on the presidential selection process and whether it truly met the necessary requirements. Ultimately, the group's goal is to bring transparency and accountability to the situation at hand.
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