Recent events show how difficult it is for DeSantis to implement his vision without facing opposition from students, staff, and the community as a whole.

In an effort to transform the college into a conservative institution, the governor appointed six allies from the far right to its board in January 2023. The academic community and students immediately reacted negatively to this “hostile takeover.”   

A large number of these books were from the school’s Gender and Diversity Center, including titles connected with gender studies and LGBTQ+ subjects. This activity drew the ire of the college population, which some compared to Nazi-esque book burnings, suggesting a disturbing turn in Florida’s education strategies.

But people were skeptical about his explanation, especially when Christopher Rufo, a DeSantis appointee, said that the disposal was “throwing out the trash,” which contradicted Corcoran’s claims. 

Hinson stated, highlighting the broader repercussions of DeSantis’ policies on academic freedom, “This is just the latest chapter in this Republican regime’s war on books.” 

The Free Florida Gator, the college’s student paper, uncovered that former UF President Ben Sasse, selected by DeSantis, had burned through $17.3 million in his first year — three times more than his predecessor.

In spite of promising “political celibacy” upon his selection, Ben Sasse’s activities suggested otherwise. He hired former Senate staffers to fill top positions at the university and significantly increased their pay. His tenure, which started in late 2022 and finished unexpectedly in July 2024, has been plagued by financial scandals and internal conflict with other DeSantis representatives. 

However, critics liken the administration’s investigation to a case of “the wolf guarding the henhouse,” claiming that it lacks credibility. The scandals at both New College and UF are emblematic of a broader conflict over the fate of Florida’s public education system.

Their futures are still in doubt as a result of the controversy surrounding UF and New College. While the UF community is keeping a close eye on who will succeed Sasse and how future spending will be managed, students and staff at New College are concerned about the direction the school will take under its new, conservative leadership. 

Long-term consequences for Florida’s universities could stem from DeSantis and his appointees’ actions, which could have an impact on student enrollment, faculty recruitment, and the state’s overall academic standing. 

The governor is under increasing pressure to reevaluate his strategies in light of mounting criticism, or else he runs the risk of further harming both his own reputation and that of Florida’s educational establishments.

While they both worked remotely from the D.C. area which is about 800 miles from UF’s main campus in Gainesville they received substantial salaries.

Sass’ starting salary at UF was $496,000 which is more than double the $181,677 that he earned on Capitol Hill, while Wedmann received $432,000 in a position which was previously salaried at $270,000.