FAMU employees and campus supporters have organized a new union—FAMU Head of United Workers—to demand higher salaries, improved workplace safety, and fair treatment after previous union affiliations collapsed. The move comes after unsuccessful attempts to engage with the temporary university president and reflects broader worker mobilization at the historically black institution.

On February 4, 2025, staff at Florida A&M University rallied at the roundabout at FAMU Way and Railroad Avenue to launch the FAMU Chapter of United Campus Workers. The demonstration called for higher wages, better staffing, and improved workplace safety in response to long-standing labor issues after the decertification of the previous union.

FAMU trustees voted to delay the decision on selecting a new president after discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and parity raised concerns over fairness in the presidential search process. The delay intends to give all search firms equal opportunity to address DEI-related questions, reflecting an effort to uphold inclusive and equitable practices.

Amid a new state law that blocks the use of taxpayer funds for diversity programs and limits teaching about systemic racism, Florida A&M University reaffirmed its commitment to 'Excellence With Caring.' The university’s leadership and campus groups, including FAMU Democrats, are carefully navigating these constraints, leading to self-censorship in speaker invitations while trying to preserve its core mission of educating African Americans and promoting inclusive academic discourse.

Federal officials have highlighted that Florida A&M University has been denied nearly $2 billion in state appropriations since 1987, citing inequitable funding practices between HBCUs and their non-HBCU peers. This revelation has spurred efforts by the Departments of Education and Agriculture, as well as student lawsuits, to demand fairer distribution of state funds to support the institution’s critical role in advancing educational equity.

Amid Gov. DeSantis' proposed policies to eliminate diversity and inclusion funding in Florida’s public universities, FAMU students and community leaders have voiced deep concerns. They warn that stripping diversity, equity, and inclusion from the curriculum and hiring practices threatens the legacy of this historic institution and undermines progress for marginalized communities.