TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - In a dramatic meeting last week, members of the Florida A & M University Board of Trustees made failed attempts to fire President Elmira Mangum. This is the latest episode in a series of public conflicts between the president and several trustees. Many are now wondering how the university moves forward from this, and what will happen if the conflict isn't resolved.
The ongoing controversy between Mangum and the University's BOT came to a head last week, when Mangum narrowly survived two votes that could have led to her resignation.
Some students now feel that the public conflict could impact future enrollment at the university. FAMU student Terrie Hookfin says, "If I were hearing things between the board and the president, something that's happening within the university...that doesn't look good to someone who's wanting to come here."
Others feel that recent events have brought down the overall morale of the student body. A sophomore at FAMU, Antonelli Jean-Guillaune commented, "You feel like you want to have more structure at the administrative level, so it's a little bit disappointing."
Students rallied in support of Mangum last week, expressing their concerns to staff with Governor Rick Scott's Office.
President Mangum is being accused of financial irregularites. Mangum denies these claims and is accusing some trustees of being on a "witch hunt." The chairman of the board, Rufus Montgomery resigned last friday, saying there needs to be an "effective working relationship" between the board chairman and president.
