Florida International University (FIU) has appointed Jeanette Nunez, the state's Lieutenant Governor, as its interim president, according to the Board of Trustees. However, this decision has faced opposition from some students and faculty, who view it as politically influenced, as reported by NBC Miami.
During the announcement, protesters led by students and faculty chanted, opposing the appointment, which they saw as politically motivated by Governor Ron DeSantis's administration. According to CBS News, despite this, there was a standing ovation for outgoing President Dr. Kenneth Jessell inside the Graham Center.
The opposition is partly due to Nunez’s change in stance on in-state tuition for undocumented students. Ten years after sponsoring a bill supporting them, she reversed her position, which led to criticism. Florida Senator Jason Pizzo criticized the move on the Senate floor, calling it politically driven.
Despite the protests, Dr. Jessell expressed confidence in Nunez’s ability, saying, "She has always delivered, not only for me but for this institution," in a statement obtained by CBS News. Board Chair Rogelio Tovar suggested that Nunez might not remain interim for long, saying, "I would be disingenuous if I told you I didn't think she would be the long-term solution."
Nunez’s appointment is expected to lead to her resignation as lieutenant governor soon, allowing Governor DeSantis to appoint a new one. As reported by Hoodline, her move into academia is drawing attention in Florida’s political and educational landscape, with both supporters and critics closely monitoring her next steps.
