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Governor DeSantis’ Attacks on Academic Freedom at New College
As a senior at New College of Florida and editor of the school newspaper, The Catalyst, I have witnessed firsthand the impact of Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies on academic freedom, especially in light of his book banning, attacks on critical race theory, and the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. But I never imagined that these policies would directly affect my college.
New College of Florida has always been a bubble of sanity and safety for queer and BIPOC students like me. However, with the recent actions taken by Governor DeSantis and his appointed board of trustees, many students feel as if this sanctuary is no longer safe.
The abolishment of New College’s Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence and the firing of our Dean of Diversity are just a few examples of the conservative values that DeSantis continues to force on our college. His recent replacement of our provost isn’t helping either. Students are feeling burned out and afraid, left walking on eggshells in anticipation of the next changes to come.
New Trustees Represent Conservative Values
One of the trustees appointed by DeSantis, Christopher Rufo, described diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as “Orwellian” during a speech in January. He believes that such efforts manipulate and divide the world into oppressors and oppressed. However, as an LGBTQ student, being able to sit with my full identity in the classroom is crucial to my education.
Moreover, diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are inherent to a quality education. Encountering a variety of people and viewpoints broadens our horizons, enriching our academic pursuits. In opposing these concepts, DeSantis and his appointees are agitating against the very things that make New College such a wonderful place to learn.
New College Under Duress
Many students who have come to think of New College as a sanctuary now feel as though they are no longer welcome here. The conservative leadership of the college has been incredibly vague about their next actions, which has created an air of uncertainty.
The interim president of my college is speaking positively about the great things he wants to do for New College. However, in a recent letter to donors and alumni, he wrote that the school is “dominated by a self-aggrandizing few who want to co-opt the education system to force their personal beliefs on other people’s children.” His words do not augur well for New College’s future as an academic and cultural oasis.
The New College we knew is dead, according to one of my friends. But I hope she’s wrong. I hope that one day, we can return to our college where students have access to an education free from interference by powerful individuals and entities that will never truly care about what we want to learn.
My college has always been a sanctuary, a place where I can be myself without fear of judgment. It is where I discovered my passion for education and where I have been able to pursue a rigorous academic program. But as a senior, with only a few weeks left at New College, I worry about its future.
