Save UWF issued a statement on its website yesterday regarding the resignation of Tampa podcaster Gates Garcia’s resignation from the University of West Florida Board of Trustees:
We’ve made progress: two of the most controversial appointees—Scott Yenor and Gates Garcia—have now resigned. But serious concerns remain.
One of the goals of Save UWF is to remove West Virginia resident Adam Kissel from the board entirely. He has publicly supported the privatization of public universities and criticized both the GI Bill and diversity efforts—raising serious concerns at a university with a proud tradition of serving military veterans and promoting inclusion.
Kissel is not the only concern. All of the recently appointed trustees lack meaningful ties to UWF—and voted as a bloc to install Scott Yenor as board chair, despite his widely reported misogynistic and antisemitic views. Their coordinated support and public positions reveal a broader ideological agenda that runs counter to UWF’s mission and long history of service. These appointments pose a serious threat to the university’s enrollment, funding, faculty retention, academic freedom, and the programs that have supported Northwest Florida since 1967.
The Florida Senate Ethics & Elections Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 22 at 8 AM ET to consider these appointments—including Kissel’s.
We’re organizing free transportation to Tallahassee so supporters can show up in person.
FILL THE BUS
The Florida Senate Ethics & Elections Committee will meet Tuesday, April 22 at 8 a.m. ET in Tallahassee to consider the University of West Florida Board of Trustees appointments.
Free Transportation Available:
- A community-organized bus will depart early Tuesday morning from Pensacola
- Alternative option: Travel independently on Monday and arrange overnight accommodations
- Hotel options with availability are accessible here.
How to Participate:
- Sign up for the free bus transportation through the sign-up link
- Your presence at this hearing demonstrates community engagement and support for UWF’s future
Why this matters: This gathering represents an opportunity for community members to show solidarity and advocate for the university’s interests during this critical decision-making process. The Save UWF organizers emphasize that community participation sends a strong message to state officials about local investment in UWF’s governance and future direction.