Florida International University: Navigating the Culture War at Home

Noël C. Barengo, the chair of the faculty senate at Florida International University (FIU), recently received a notice to attend a board of trustees meeting shortly after the Miami Herald suggested that Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez might be in line to lead the university. Curiously, there wasn’t any urgent situation prompting this quick decision.

Kenneth Jessell, the outgoing president, had taken over after a crisis triggered by the abrupt resignation of his predecessor, Mark Rosenberg, due to serious allegations. Though Jessell wasn’t openly against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, his soon-to-expire contract opened the door for a more ideologically aligned candidate.

At the board meeting, Barengo stood out as the only “no” vote. Minutes revealed that DeSantis’s office may have played a significant role in fast-tracking Nuñez’s position. Barengo likened this decision to an NHL team firing its winning coach without cause—an unexpected move that raises questions.

The governor’s strategy appears straightforward: by placing his favored candidates in prominent educational roles, DeSantis aims to shape higher education in Florida. This approach extends to a broader conservative push to exert influence over public universities across the nation. For instance, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also positioned friends within university boards to tighten political control.

With over 54,000 students, FIU is South Florida’s largest public university, providing affordable education in an area notorious for its high costs. Despite its relatively modest budget, FIU has gained acclaim, climbing the ranks in the U.S. News and World Report listings and recognized as a top public university by The Wall Street Journal.

DeSantis’s approach aligns with a national trend among conservatives linking public university funding to ideological alignment. In Texas, similar measures have been taken to scrutinize university decisions closely, showcasing a pattern of political influence that raises concerns about academic integrity.

Nuñez’s past actions as lieutenant governor indicate a preference for laws that have negatively impacted FIU. For example, she backed legislation that severely weakened public-sector unions, allowing for hurdles that have already led to union decertification at FIU.

Furthermore, her stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives has made headlines. Under Nuñez, the university system has seen a push to remove funding from DEI programs and eliminate certain subjects, deemed “controversial,” from core curricula.

Faculty and students are increasingly anxious about these changes. Marvin Dunn, a retired psychology professor, criticized the appointment of political appointees in educational roles, expressing concerns about how this trend might impact academic freedom. Professors worry they may not be able to teach essential subjects anymore.

Interestingly, there is a growing discontent within the Florida legislature towards the perceived politicization of public education. Recently, lawmakers passed a bill aimed at increasing transparency in the presidential search process, potentially limiting the governor’s influence in such matters.

As FIU navigates these turbulent waters, the future of the institution hangs in the balance. If Nuñez wishes to earn the trust of faculty and students, she may need to reconsider her approach. Some faculty members are contemplating leaving academia altogether, signaling potential trouble ahead for FIU’s reputation and its recent achievements.

In conclusion, the unfolding situation at FIU illustrates how political maneuvering can profoundly impact educational environments. Maintaining academic integrity while facing political pressures is a challenge that many institutions will need to address in the coming years.

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Education in America,Politics,Conservatism,Republicans,Ron DeSantis,Florida,Greg Abbott,Texas,labor,unions,Nic Suarez