The recent events at New College of Florida have brought to light the ongoing conservative overhaul of public higher education in the state by Governor Ron DeSantis. The appointment of conservative members to the Board of Trustees earlier this year has led to significant changes at the institution, including the closure of the Gender and Diversity Center and the disposal of books from the center.
The decision to throw out books from the Gender and Diversity Center was met with approval from DeSantis’s press secretary and one of the board appointees, Chris Rufo. The move to abolish the gender studies program and discard the books has sparked controversy and criticism from faculty members and students alike. The actions taken by the college have raised concerns about academic freedom and the preservation of diverse perspectives on campus.
In addition to the book disposal, the college’s main library also faced scrutiny for throwing away books, leading to the administrative leave of library dean Shannon Hausinger. The reasons for Hausinger’s leave were not specified, but it was related to the disposal of materials not following state administrative requirements. The situation has raised questions about the decision-making process at the college and the oversight of such actions.
The departure of faculty members, including the chair of the faculty and the director of the gender studies program, has further highlighted the changes taking place at New College. The denial of tenure to several faculty members and the subsequent resignations and retirements have created a sense of instability and uncertainty among the academic community. The loss of experienced faculty members and the phasing out of programs like gender studies have raised concerns about the future direction of the college.
Despite the challenges faced by faculty and students at New College, there are efforts being made to push back against the conservative overhaul of higher education in Florida. Amy Reid, a French professor and faculty representative, is taking unpaid leave to work for the free expression nonprofit PEN America in Washington, D.C. Reid’s role in advocating for academic freedom and supporting coalitions in other states reflects a broader effort to protect academic freedom and freedom of expression in higher education.
The departure of faculty members like Rebecca Black, Nassima Neggaz, and Katherine Walstrom, along with the decision to hire new faculty members, indicates a shift in the academic landscape at New College. The changes taking place at the institution have created a divisive and challenging environment for faculty and students alike. The future of New College and its commitment to academic freedom and diversity remain uncertain in the face of ongoing conservative reforms.
In conclusion, the events at New College of Florida reflect a broader trend of conservative overhaul in public higher education in the state. The decisions made by the college administration and the Board of Trustees have raised concerns about academic freedom, diversity, and the future of the institution. The actions taken by faculty members, students, and advocacy groups demonstrate a commitment to defending academic freedom and promoting diverse perspectives in higher education.