By Jason Schwartz
Under pressure from student protestors, the operators of a Boca Raton-based private prison corporation have withdrawn a $6 million gift to FAU.
That means the university’s new football stadium will no longer be named GEO Group Stadium.
“What was originally intended as a gesture of GEO’s goodwill to financially assist the University’s athletic scholarship program has surprisingly evolved into an ongoing distraction to both of our organizations,” said George Zoley, GEO Group chairman and CEO. “We employ many FAU graduates and Boca Raton community members. We take pride in running a well-respected company and are proud of our long-term support of the University.”
The $6 million gift – a 12-year commitment with annual payments of $500,000 -was meant to help advance FAU’s athletic department, officials said.
Students and South Florida pro-immigrant activists expressed outrage after University officials announced they would change the name of stadium to that of the prison corporation, which has been accused of human rights violations.
“They said it was a done deal, but I knew it could be changed,” says Arely Baugh, a senior who was one of more than 40 protesters turned away from the administration building, twice.
At least 25 faculty members did not like the name Geo Group either, unsettled over accusations that the company treats inmates improperly. The Faculty Senate voted in March against the new stadium name.
That vote did not change anything then, but professors intended to send a clear message to the President and Board of Trustees.
“Many things have changed in society because people continue to resist the notion that it’s a done deal,” FAU Professor Gail Burnaford said.
University President Mary Jane Saunders expressed gratitude for supporters of the school in a news release announcing the withdrawal of the donation.
“FAU alumnus and Trustee Emeritus George Zoley and his colleagues have been loyal supporters of this University,” Saunders said. “We are thankful for all of the companies, organizations and individuals who give to this university to support our mission, our pursuit of academic excellence and valuable contributions to this community.”
Gonzalo Vizcardo, a student who
had organized protests of the naming of the stadium, heralded the news.
“This is a victory for FAU,” he said. “This is a victory for students, faculty, staff, alumni, everyone at FAU.”
Reach the reporter at Jason@Delraybeachtribune.com or 561-665-0151.