228 Senate Office Building

404 South Monroe Street

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100

June 16, 2015

Chairman Morteza Mori Hosseini
Members of the Florida Board of Governors
State University System
325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1614
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Dear Chairman Hosseini and Members of the Florida Board of Governors:
As members of the Florida Legislature and alumni of Florida A&M University, the recent events and public statements made by
several members of FAMUs Board of Trustees especially its chairman - have deeply troubled us. This letter is to request that
the Board of Governors, under the responsibilities set forth in the state Constitution and statutes, promptly begins an inquiry into
the propriety of such behavior, and whether members of the FAMU BOT are improperly reaching beyond legally proscribed
authority.
Since her name was first advanced as a leading candidate for FAMU president, and, subsequently, after her historic selection,
Dr. Elmira Mangum has been a frequent target of FAMU BOT Chairman Rufus Montgomery, whose abrupt and ongoing
challenges to her leadership are bordering dangerously close to bullying. Unfortunately, his actions recently intensified at a
meeting of the Board last week, leading to spurious demands we believe are unwarranted and detrimental to the effective
operation of the university as a whole.
As were sure you are aware, the obligations of any universitys trustees are fairly straightforward, and are limited to policy.
They ought not and do not include involvement in the day-to-day operations of the institutions; that job is left to the president
they selected. Evidently, Mr. Montgomery has enlisted a number of his fellow board members to join him as they attempt to
directly interject themselves into such operations, and demand that President Mangum subvert her own authority by yielding to
theirs. Moreover, their challenge of her leadership came just as the budget negotiations were underway during this special
legislative session, leading more than a few of us to question whether their timing was deliberate.
Since her selection as president, we have consistently found Dr. Mangum to be open, responsive, gracious and attentive. The
independence so sharply criticized has been an asset, effectively moving FAMU on a deliberate path to achieve the excellence
President Mangum has made her top priority and has diligently pursued. Dr. Mangum, and the FAMU community deserve our
ongoing support and your prompt attention. We look forward to your cooperation.
Sincerely,

Senator Arthenia L. Joyner

Representative Mia Jones

Representative Shevrin Jones

Senator Dwight Bullard

Representative Bobby Powell

C:

Governor Rick Scott

FAMU Board of Trustees