Florida A&M University Faces Controversy Over Largest Donation Ever to an HBCU

Florida A&M University finds itself in the midst of controversy just over a week after announcing the largest donation ever to an HBCU. The university has removed all references to the $237 million stock-only gift given by Gregory Gerami of the Isaac Batterson 7th Family Trust from its official social media accounts.

An emergency meeting was held by the Florida A&M Foundation, where university president Larry Robinson announced that the gift was on hold pending further research on Gerami. This decision came after it was revealed that Gerami had previously attempted to donate money to other institutions, only to be rebuffed by each school.

Board member Chekesha Kidd expressed shock at the lack of transparency surrounding the donation, stating, “If that doesn’t signal that we need to take a step back and get our own house in order, I don’t know what does.”

During a Zoom call, Robinson explained that officials had decided to “put a pause” on the donation, citing the need to reassess the situation. Questions about Gerami’s legitimacy as a billionaire arose after an article was published, prompting further scrutiny of the gift and its potential impact on the university.

The Florida A&M board of trustees has scheduled an emergency meeting open to the public on Wednesday at 3 p.m. as they navigate the fallout from the controversial donation. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.