MIAMI, FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) — Three Florida state legislators have issued a joint statement condemning what they describe as the growing politicization of presidential appointments within the State University System of Florida.

THE ISSUE AT HAND

In a forceful message released on Monday, Representative Ashley V. Gantt (D-Miami), Representative Michele K. Rayner (D-St. Petersburg), and Representative LaVon Bracy Davis (D-Ocoee) voiced alarm over a pattern of politically motivated leadership appointments at several state universities, including Florida A&M University (FAMU), New College of Florida, Florida International University (FIU), and the University of Florida (UF).

“We are deeply disturbed by the troubling pattern emerging in the selection and appointment of university presidents across our state,” the legislators stated. “These critical leadership decisions appear to be driven more by political ideology than by a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and the long-term success of our institutions.”

SPECIFIC CONCERNS: FAMU & UF

The lawmakers pointed to the rejection of Santa Ono as a finalist for the presidency at UF, attributing the decision to his support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives — a disqualifier they assert should be viewed as a leadership strength.

They also criticized the recent appointment of Marva Johnson as FAMU’s president, which, they claim, ignored student and alumni voices while prioritizing political alliances and boardroom deals. “There is no regard for student or alumni opinion,” the statement reads. “The focus centered on shutting student protests down rather than listening.”

The legislators drew parallels to the controversial appointment of Ben Sasse at UF, which they argue reflected a similar pattern of politically charged selections, undermining the university’s reputation and academic rigor.

A BROADER TREND OF POLITICAL OVERREACH

“This is not about individual personalities; it’s about the process,” the lawmakers declared. “A process that sidesteps meaningful engagement and leans into political expediency over shared governance is a betrayal of the trust our community places in its leadership.”

LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS FOR TRANSPARENCY

The joint statement also highlighted recent legislative efforts to reform the presidential selection process. The Florida House passed HB 1321, a bill introduced by Representative Michelle Salzman, aimed at enhancing transparency and requiring participation from students, faculty, and administration in presidential search committees. However, Governor Ron DeSantis opposed the bill, refusing to sign it into law and labeling it ‘treacherous.’

A CALL TO ACTION

The legislators emphasized that FAMU is more than a boardroom decision. “It is a cultural institution, a beacon of hope, and a sacred space for generations of Black excellence,” the statement read. “To handle its future with anything less than transparency and reverence is not only wrong — it’s dangerous.”

They concluded by reaffirming their commitment to advocate for accountability, transparency, and academic freedom throughout Florida’s higher education system.

“Our students deserve leadership chosen for their vision, experience, and dedication to education — not their political alignment,” the lawmakers declared. “Our future depends on it.”

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) – Florida’s treasured state parks are officially safeguarded for generations to come. On Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the State Park Preservation Act into law, a major environmental milestone that permanently protects Florida’s state parks from development and commercial exploitation.

The announcement sparked celebrations across the state, with Sierra Club Florida—one of the law’s fiercest advocates—issuing an emphatic statement marking the achievement.

“The signing of the State Park Preservation Act is a monumental victory for Florida’s beloved state parks—and a powerful testament to what Floridians can achieve when we stand together,” said Kristine Cunningham, Executive Committee Chair of Sierra Club Florida.

“In just ten months, we transformed a reckless plan to pave over our parks into a law that protects them forever. This achievement is nothing short of historic. It sends a clear message: our elected leaders answer to the people, not to developers. This win belongs to every Floridian who marched, rallied, spoke out, and stood firm in defense of our wild places. Together, we have built one of the most powerful grassroots movements in Florida’s history, and demonstrated that even in a politically volatile state like ours, we can work together to deliver lasting change.”

The journey to Thursday’s signing began last August, when the proposed “Great Outdoors Initiative” sparked alarm among environmental advocates and park lovers statewide. The initiative, which sought to introduce development and commercial projects within state parks, faced immediate backlash.

Grassroots mobilization surged, led by Sierra Club Florida and a coalition of conservation groups, community organizations, and concerned citizens. Their mission: preserve Florida’s natural heritage and public lands.

Javier Estevez, Political and Legislative Director for Sierra Club Florida, reflected on the movement’s swift and decisive impact.

“Since August, Sierra Club Florida and its partners and allies have been on the frontlines of the fight to save our state parks, and today, we are thrilled to officially declare: VICTORY!” Estevez said.

“What started as the ‘Great Outdoors Initiative’ to develop our parks has ended with a State Park Preservation Act that will ensure they are permanently protected. This landmark law is the direct result of the grassroots power and unwavering dedication of Floridians from all political affiliations who stood together to say: Our parks are not for sale. Today, we celebrate a turning point not just for our environment, but for the future of Florida.”

The State Park Preservation Act not only prohibits development in state parks but also establishes new legal frameworks to ensure environmental stewardship, habitat preservation, and public access for recreational and educational use.

Environmental groups are hailing the passage as one of the most consequential grassroots victories in Florida’s modern history and a blueprint for future environmental protections across the state.

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Dr. Rudolph Moise, Chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) North Miami, is proud to celebrate the outstanding work of the museum’s staff and consultants in organizing its newest exhibit, which officially opened on April 30, 2025.

The first featured artist is Miami-born Philip Smith, whose captivating collection titled “Magnetic Fields” explores the breadth of his pictorial language, rooted in his personal archive of 35mm photographs. Smith’s work invites visitors into a reflective journey through memory, symbolism, and visual storytelling.

Dr. Rudolph Moise, Chair of the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) North Miami, celebrates Haitian American multidisciplinary artist Vickie Pierre. The Maiden is the Warrior marks her first solo exhibition at the museum.

The second artist is Haitian American multidisciplinary artist Vickie Pierre, whose acclaimed artworks have been showcased in both solo and group exhibitions across South Florida. Her contribution to the exhibit brings a rich blend of cultural narrative and contemporary expression.

The public is invited to experience this dynamic exhibition, which will be on display through October 5, 2025, at the MOCA Museum in Miami.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the powerful voices and artistic vision of these two extraordinary artists. To learn more visit: mocanomi.org

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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com