Let’s Keep It OUR University
SAMPLE LETTER
YENOR & KISSEL
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Senator [Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Subject: [Please Vote NO on Scott Yenor’s Confirmation]
[Please Vote NO on Adam Kissel’s Confirmation]
[Please Vote NO on the Confirmations of Scott Yenor and Adam Kissel]
Dear Senator [Last Name],
I am writing to express my strong concern regarding the appointment**[s]** of [Scott Yenor / Adam Kissel / Scott Yenor and Adam Kissel] to the University of West Florida (UWF) Board of Trustees, and to respectfully urge you to vote NO on [his / their] confirmation**[s]**.
I write not only as a [Pensacola resident, UWF alum, veteran, parent, faculty member, business owner, concerned citizen — select all that apply], but as someone who has witnessed firsthand the vital role UWF plays in shaping futures and strengthening our community. This issue is deeply personal to me because [insert your reason here — e.g., my children attended UWF, I mentor students on campus, I rely on UWF as an economic and cultural anchor, etc.]
[If opposing Scott Yenor, include the following paragraph:]
Scott Yenor’s public statements about women’s roles are not only outdated, but incompatible with the values of a modern public university. In a 2021 speech, he claimed that institutions should not recruit women into careers such as engineering or law, urging a return to “strong male leadership” instead. UWF should be led by those who believe in equal opportunity — not those who seek to turn back the clock on gender equality.
[If opposing Adam Kissel, include the following paragraph:]
Adam Kissel has publicly promoted the defunding and privatization of public higher education — including Florida’s colleges and universities. He has also criticized the GI Bill, which has been instrumental in helping veterans access education and build new futures. UWF proudly serves military students and their families; appointing someone who questions that commitment is a disservice to the university and its values.
[If opposing both, include the following paragraph:]
Both Mr. Yenor and Mr. Kissel represent ideologies that do not align with UWF’s mission of access, service, and inclusive excellence. From attacks on gender equity to calls for dismantling public education, their records raise serious concerns about whether they would serve the best interests of students, faculty, and the wider community.
The Board of Trustees plays a critical role in guiding the future of the University of West Florida. We need leaders who will uphold the integrity, diversity, and public mission of the institution — not use it as a platform for political or ideological agendas. I urge you to vote NO on the confirmation**[s]** of [Scott Yenor / Adam Kissel / both].
Thank you for your time, attention, and your service to our state.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
TIPS FOR CONTACTING OFFICIALS
✅ Any outreach helps, but the biggest impact comes from written letters, followed by phone calls, then emails. Lawmakers and their staff prioritize physical mail first, as it carries the most weight in official processes. Phone calls also get direct attention, while emails, though still useful, are the least impactful due to volume.
✉️ Letter Writing (Most Effective) – Handwritten or printed letters are taken seriously and often logged for review.
📞 Phone Calls (Very Effective) – Speaking with a staff member directly can make an impression and ensures your concerns are heard.
📧 Emails (Still Helpful) – While lower priority, a well-written email still adds to the number of voices speaking out.
How to Make Your Message More Effective:
🔹 Be Concise – Especially when using the governor’s online form (500-character limit).
🔹 Be Respectful – State your concerns clearly and professionally.
🔹 Include Your Information – Provide your name and contact details to ensure your message is counted.
🔹 State Your Connection – Mention if you are a UWF student, faculty member, alumni, or concerned community member to establish credibility. BE SURE TO EMPHASIZE YOUR WHY YOU ARE WRITING THEM.
🔹 Email Format – For senators not listed with an email, use:
📧 lastname.firstname.web@flsenate.gov
Mailing Addresses (for All Letters)
Letters should be sent to the Tallahassee office of the committee handling Scott Yenor’s appointment. However, for maximum impact, you should also send a copy to your own district senator to ensure they hear from their constituents directly.
Primary Mailing Addresses
Florida Senate Education Postsecondary Committee
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
Where to Send Your Letter
If you live in Pensacola:
Senator Don Gaetz represents Pensacola. Letters from local residents should be sent to his district office to ensure local concerns are heard by his team.
Send Pensacola letters to:
Senator Don Gaetz – District Office
418 W Garden Street – 4th Floor
Pensacola, FL 32502
📞 District Phone: (850) 595-1036
📍 For additional impact, also send a copy to:
Tallahassee Office
405 Senate Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1100
📞 Phone: (850) 487-5001
If you live outside Pensacola:
It’s important to contact your own district’s state senator, as they will have the most incentive to respond to their constituents.
Find your Florida State Senator:
🔗 Florida Senate Member Directory
Best Practice:
Send a copy of your letter to both your district senator and the Tallahassee committee office to maximize impact and ensure your concerns reach key decision-makers.