On Aug. 28, students at Sarasota’s New College of Florida began classes in a tense atmosphere. Since last year, over ⅓ of NCF faculty have resigned, leaving students with absent professors and canceled classes.
These changes are an effect of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent sweep of education policies that aim to rid the Florida public education system of what critics call, “left-wing indoctrination” in schools. These policies regulate discussions of diversity, equity, inclusion and racism and encourage the teaching of “traditional Western” topics.
Much of this new legislation stems from the principle of preventing students from feeling bad, and the teaching of ideas that, because of their identity, they are inherently oppressed or privileged.
NCF is not affected by this new legislation alone. DeSantis has honed in on this previously liberal university as a target for many of his stances.
Formerly, the small liberal arts university operated on a unique model. Academic research was built around independent study, close partnerships with professors and creativity. No letter grades were given and the campus prided itself on inclusivity and sensitivity. It was ranked among one of the most “gay-friendly” campuses in the country.
“They didn’t give traditional grades… It is an intimate community for Florida kids,” CAP advisor Linda Dwyer said. “It is a really cool place for a specific type of student to consider.”
However, on Jan. 6, DeSantis appointed six new members to the NCF board, including conservative activist and writer, Christopher Rufo. This board initiated a cascade of changes in the university’s culture and structure. The NCF board ousted previous president, Patricia Okker, and appointed interim president, Richard Corcoran — previous education commissioner and ally of DeSantis.
Furthermore, the board has closed the Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence, with critics calling it a means of “identity-based preferences,” and the board began dismantling the Gender Studies department. Meanwhile, faculty are being directly impacted, with six faculty members set to receive tenure, being denied it by the new board.
In terms of admissions, enrollment has gone up, as a result of an effort made by new leadership to prioritize athletes, giving them primary access to student housing and other services. However, as a whole, average test scores and GPAs of NCF students have gone down since these recent changes.
“[New College] is pushing for more sports which is new for New College, it wasn’t what it was typically known for in the past,” Dwyer said.“… Some kids chose not to go because of housing and the [absent] classes as well.”
For some high school seniors, this new legislation has impacted their views on the college application process.
“It’s just another reason not to stay in state,” senior Alison Arnold said. “I want access to study and research anything I desire… I don’t want to blindly listen to [legislators].”
Various NCF students are upset by these recent occurrences with demonstrations and protests occurring in response to many of these changes. However, DeSantis still has supporters who believe these education reforms are fighting a corrosive issue of “wokeness” in education.With this new school year being the first under these new circumstances, many wonder what could be impacted next in this culture war.
