Wasserman Schultz on Fuchs Decision to Step Down at Year’s End

Sunrise, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) released the following statement after today’s announcement that University of Florida President Kent Fuchs would transition out of office this year and seek a UF professorship:

“President Fuchs helped propel the University of Florida to the elite ranks of America’s public universities, and he did it while leading a phenomenally successful capital campaign and helping hold tuition costs down. His personal touch on campus was a warm welcome for many students, like it was for my own children. Unfortunately, he also dealt with untenable, unacceptable pressure from the executive branch and their appointees that resulted in policies anathema to the integrity of an academic institution. UF has benefitted greatly under his leadership. My hope is that in his final year, this president reasserts the academic freedom and integrity that will continue to fuel my alma mater’s scholarly excellence and achievements. The next woman or man to succeed him must be free to reestablish a clear policy of academic freedom and the full ability to utilize their expertise without interference from the executive branch or the UF Board of Trustees. I wish President Fuchs the best in his final year as president and am thankful for his commitment to the Gator Nation.”