A lawsuit has been filed alleging that Miami Dade College violated Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law during the process of gifting a prime piece of downtown Miami real estate, valued at over $67 million, for the construction of Donald Trump’s presidential library. The legal challenge questions the transparency and notice provided for the meeting where the land transfer was approved.
Key Takeaways
- A lawsuit alleges Miami Dade College violated Florida’s open government law.
- The lawsuit challenges the process of gifting valuable downtown Miami real estate for Trump’s presidential library.
- The land is valued at over $67 million and is considered a prime development parcel.
The Lawsuit’s Allegations
Historian Dr. Marvin Dunn has filed a lawsuit in the 11th Judicial Court of Florida, asserting that the Miami Dade College District Board of Trustees failed to adhere to Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law. This law mandates public access, proper notice, and recorded minutes for meetings of public boards. The suit specifically claims that the notice for the Sept. 23 meeting, where the board voted to gift 2.6 acres of land to the state of Florida, was "inadequate."
The Land Transfer Process
The 2.6-acre property, situated next to Miami’s Freedom Tower and valued at over $67 million, was initially gifted by Miami Dade College to the state. Subsequently, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the state cabinet approved its transfer to the Donald J. Trump Presidential Library Foundation. The lawsuit contends that the board’s agenda for the meeting only vaguely mentioned "potential real estate transactions," without specifying the property or the purpose of the transfer, thus preventing public awareness of the significant land deal.
Public and Expert Reactions
Dr. Dunn, a former professor and civil rights advocate, has called the land transfer an "egregious abuse of public trust" and emphasized that public lands should not be used as political gifts, especially when conducted in secrecy. His attorney, Richard Brodsky, stated that the lawsuit was filed because the decision "hurts the students and because it was done in violation" of the Sunshine Law. A poll indicated that a significant majority of Miami-Dade residents believe the land should remain with the college. Former Miami Dade College President Eduardo Padrón also expressed bewilderment at the decision, questioning its consequences for the institution.
Sources
- Miami Dade College sued over Trump library land deal, The Hill.
- Lawsuit challenges vote to gift Miami real estate for Trump library – NBC Bay Area, NBC Bay Area.