Florida Governor Appoints Controversial Figure to University Board
Tallahassee, FL – For years, political scientist Scott Yenor has been advocating for overhauling colleges and universities, which he believes undermine traditional American families by encouraging women to pursue careers and delay childbirth. Now, he may get a chance to implement his policy proposals after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed him to the board of the University of West Florida (UWF), a public school in Pensacola with about 14,000 students.
Yenor’s Controversial Views on Women and Education
Yenor, a professor at Boise State University, has written extensively on what he sees as the dangers of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education. He has also argued that the declines in traditional marriage and birth rates in the US are a result of women’s increasing participation in the workforce. At the National Conservatism Conference in 2021, Yenor labeled "independent women" as "medicated, meddlesome, and quarrelsome" and decried colleges and universities as "the citadels of our gynecocracy" – a form of government run by women.
Appointees’ Previous Statements and Actions
Yenor’s views have sparked controversy, and critics have labeled him as anti-feminist and anti-diversity. He has also argued that colleges and universities are "indoctrination camps" that delay young women’s transition to motherhood. In the past, he has called for the elimination of certain disciplines, such as African Diaspora Studies, and advocated for sex-segregated education.
Reactions from the Academic Community
Chasidy Hobbs, an Earth and environmental science instructor and president of UWF’s faculty union, called Yenor’s comments "disheartening" and "offensive." She expressed her commitment to working with the new board, despite concerns about their views on women’s roles in society. Julia Friedland, the governor’s deputy press secretary, said the new board members would "break the status quo" and "help refocus the university on its core mission of education."
Confirmation Process and Next Steps
The new appointees, including Yenor, must be confirmed by the Florida Senate. The UWF board has 13 members, and Yenor’s appointment is part of a larger effort by DeSantis to shape the state’s education system. The governor has previously stacked the board of another public school, New College of Florida, in what critics called a hostile takeover.
Conclusion
The appointment of Scott Yenor to the UWF board has sparked concerns about the impact on the institution and the education system as a whole. While Yenor’s views on women’s roles in society and education have been met with criticism, he has expressed his commitment to supporting Governor DeSantis’ education agenda.
FAQs
Q: What are Scott Yenor’s views on women in higher education?
A: Yenor believes that colleges and universities undermine traditional American families by encouraging women to pursue careers and delay childbirth.
Q: What is the reaction from the academic community?
A: Some faculty members have expressed concern and criticism, while others are looking forward to working with the new board.
Q: What is the confirmation process for the new appointees?
A: The new appointees, including Yenor, must be confirmed by the Florida Senate.
Q: What is the impact of this appointment on the education system?
A: The appointment has sparked concerns about the impact on the education system, with some critics arguing that it will lead to a more conservative and restrictive approach to education.
