Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has initiated another controversial transformation within the state's education system, targeting the University of West Florida (UWF) in a move described by education analysts as a "hostile takeover" of a liberal-leaning institution. This strategic shift follows DeSantis's earlier actions at Sarasota's New College of Florida and is part of his broader campaign to reshape the state's higher education landscape. The governor's decision to appoint staunch conservatives to the board of trustees at UWF has drawn significant attention and criticism.
Among the new appointees is Scott Yenor, a political science professor at Boise State University. Yenor, known for his controversial views on gender roles and education, has captured headlines for his association with Action Idaho, a Christian nationalist activist group accused of spreading conspiracy theories and promoting right-wing extremism. Critics highlight Yenor's lack of experience within Florida's educational system, questioning his suitability for the role. Another appointee, Adam Kissel, formerly served in the Trump administration and has ties to the Heritage Foundation, further fueling concerns about the direction of UWF under their influence.
The University of West Florida, with a student population of 14,300, boasts a strong female representation, with approximately 60% of its students being women. The institution prides itself on embracing the liberal arts tradition as a cornerstone for educating future generations. However, the recent changes orchestrated by DeSantis threaten to shift this focus, prompting fears among academics about the potential erosion of academic freedom.
“Yenor consistently makes disgusting comments about women. He’s said women shouldn’t pursue a career, and instead just strive for motherhood,” – Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Yenor's controversial remarks and past affiliations have sparked outrage among civil rights advocates and feminist groups. His previous statements include referring to career-oriented females as "medicated, meddlesome and quarrelsome" and labeling U.S. universities as "citadels of gynecocracy." Such views have raised concerns about the implications for gender equality and inclusivity at UWF.
“If we want a great nation, we should be preparing young women to be mothers, not finding every reason for women to delay motherhood until they are established in a career or financially independent,” – Scott Yenor
Governor DeSantis attempted to address the growing criticism at a press conference in Jacksonville. He dismissed allegations against Yenor's character as a smear campaign, emphasizing that he was "not familiar" with Yenor's controversial views on women.
“What I don’t do, what I don’t like, is cherrypicking somebody saying this, and then trying to smear them,” – Ron DeSantis
Despite the governor's defense, the appointments have raised alarm among academics and education stakeholders who worry about the potential impact on academic freedom and institutional integrity. Jono Miller, an education expert, expressed concern over DeSantis's approach, highlighting the governor's preference for appointing individuals whose views align with his political agenda.
“We should be able to field competent, appropriate boards of trustees primarily from within the state, and the fact that he’s reaching out of state to get these people that have reputations that are more mission-aligned with what he’s trying to do is significant,” – Jono Miller
Miller also noted a worrying trend of appointing current or former politicians to leadership positions within Florida's educational institutions. This trend, coupled with DeSantis's inclination to select board members with strong ideological leanings, raises concerns about the long-term effects on academic freedom and intellectual diversity.
“You also look at presidents that are being appointed to these institutions, current or former politicians to fill these roles, so between the two, between the presidential trend and the governor’s predilection for appointing people with strong views that match his, we’re very worried about academic freedom.” – Jono Miller
The overhaul of UWF mirrors DeSantis's earlier actions at Sarasota's New College of Florida. Critics argue that these changes have transformed one of the country's best liberal arts schools into an institution driven by ideological education.
“New College of Florida was one of the best liberal arts schools in the country, but now that doesn’t exist. It’s been completely replaced with an ideological education, and has become the blueprint of what it looks like to politicize our basic concept of history and education. What’s going to come from that is horrifying to think about.” – Scott Yenor
Yenor's own perspective on the situation underscores the contentious nature of these reforms. He has declared himself a leading figure in higher education reform yet his critics argue otherwise.
“No one has done higher education reform better,” – Scott Yenor