In a striking move, the New College of Florida, under Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration, recently cleared out numerous books from its library.
Found dumped outside the Jane Bancroft Cook Library, these discarded books covered topics like LGBTQ+ issues and religious studies, each marked with a stark “discard” label, signaling deep institutional changes.
The Closure of the Gender and Diversity Center
According to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the pile of discarded books originated from the now-shuttered Gender and Diversity Center.
This development is part of the broader transformation at the public liberal arts college, which is closely aligned with Governor DeSantis’ conservative vision.
Legal Restrictions on Book Donations
Upon discovering the discarded books complete with the college’s official seal, students learned that a Florida law bars the donation of state-funded books.
This revelation has sparked discussions about how educational resources are managed and disposed of in state-run institutions.
A Threat to Democratic Values?
In a conversation with the Herald-Tribune, Amy Reid, faculty chair and board of trustees member, voiced a potent concern: “throwing away books is akin to throwing away democracy.”
Her words highlight the growing tension between the college’s new policies and the broader values of democracy and education.
Extensive Changes Across Campus
Governor DeSantis’ influence is reshaping New College with the introduction of sports teams, new scholarships, and a revamped board of trustees featuring his appointees.
These changes extend to the administrative level as well, with a new college president, Richard Corcoran, stepping in to steer the institution in a new direction.
Eroding Academic Freedom?
The restructuring at New College has prompted a significant departure of faculty members and led to the closure of the diversity office.
The dismissal of the academic librarian further points to a constricting environment for academic freedom and intellectual diversity.
Suppression of Student Voices
Reporting from The New York Times highlights that student murals have been erased, and orientation leaders can no longer wear pins supporting causes like Black Lives Matter or LGBTQ+ rights.
These measures suggest a campus culture increasingly aligned with conservative ideologies.
Under Federal Scrutiny
The sweeping policy changes at New College have not gone unnoticed by federal authorities.
CNN reports that the Department of Education is investigating potential discrimination against disabled students under the new administration, reflecting broader concerns about civil rights compliance.
Fluctuations in Student Numbers
While New College boasts a record-high enrollment of 325 students, an unsettling high dropout rate accompanies it, with 186 students, or 27% of the student body, leaving.
These numbers reflect the turbulent adaptation to the college’s new direction.
Lowering the Academic Bar?
Reports from the Herald-Tribune last year indicated that New College has reduced its admission standards, now accepting students with lower GPAs and test scores.
This shift is part of the sweeping changes that are reshaping the academic standards of the institution.
Florida’s Educational Landscape Transforming
Governor DeSantis has enacted sweeping reforms across Florida’s educational system, focusing on restricting discussions on gender and sexuality and dismantling diversity initiatives.
These reforms aim to reshape the educational narrative throughout the state.
A New Educational Paradigm
Governor DeSantis’ 2022 legislation has significantly altered the educational landscape, challenging curricular content across schools in Florida.
From debates over race and gender topics to objections against seemingly trivial matters like cartoon illustrations, these policy changes are redefining what and how students learn in Florida.
