The Suncoast Jewish Alliance joins the bipartisan Florida Legislative Jewish Caucus in calling for the dismissal of Scott Yenor from the Board of Trustees of the University of West Florida. In Florida, trustees are responsible for oversight of all university operations, implementing and maintaining high-quality education programs, approving the university’s strategic plan and budget. In his statements that are antisemitic and sexist, Yenor has proven not to have the capacity to evaluate quality programs and operations. We call on Governor DeSantis to remove Yenor; if he does not, we call upon the Florida Senate Ethics and Elections Committee to reject him.

We echo Representative Mike Gottlieb, chair of the Caucus, in recognizing that Yenor says individuals are not to have leadership because of their Jewish faith and that he will marginalize members of the UWF campus community on the basis of race, ethnicity, or religion. The University of West Florida deserves trustees who can treat all people without discrimination and prejudice.

February 2025 ADDENDUM:

The Suncoast Jewish Alliance was the first Jewish organization to express concern and come out opposing the appointment of Scott Yenor to be a trustee for the University of West Florida due to his history of antisemitic comments. Ultimately, his name was withdrawn from the appointment.