Dr. Joel Rudman Resigns from PSC Board following Comments about Legislators

The Senate Ethics and Elections committee held confirmation hearings this week for several appointees to the UWF and PSC Boards of Trustees. One person that was scheduled to appear was Dr. Joel Rudman, following another committee hearing where he was pressed about online comments....

"Dr. Rudman was invited to appear, he indicated he would appear.... he announced publicly that he looked forward to appearing," said committee Chairman Don Gaetz. "(he) indicated that he had a list that he was keeping close to his vest, that was legislators who were criminally violating drug laws."

Gaetz said he had a full transcript of the comments, which indicated Rudman could release the names, "depending on how the committee behaved" during the confirmation hearings.

Gaetz said he was looking forward to asking Rudman to reveal the names and evidence, as he had FDLE officers on hand to begin investigations.

"I regret to inform you that I have decided to resign from the Board of Trustees at Pensacola State college effective immediately," Rudman said in his message. "I was very much looking forward to serving and ensuring the transformative vision of Governor DeSantis was carried out, but unfortunately I will not be able to do so. I appreciate the honor of being selected by America's Governor Ron DeSantis and will continue to support his iniatiaves as a private citizen."

Gaetz said it appeared Rudman has left the country following his decision to resign from the board.