“Political Turmoil: Controversy Surrounding New Florida public college Transformation”
A Florida public college, New College of Florida, is facing a rare sanction from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) due to what a group of prominent professors deems an “unprecedented politically motivated takeover.” The AAUP’s governing body voted to penalize the college for “substantial non-compliance” with academic governance standards, escalating the ongoing conflict over the institution’s image and mission.
READ: Navigating Amsterdam’s Waterways: A Canal Cruise Experience
Florida public college
The public liberal arts college has been under scrutiny from state conservatives, particularly at the behest of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The AAUP, in a December report titled “Political Interference and Academic Freedom in Florida’s Public Higher Education System,” accused state leaders, including DeSantis, of imposing an “aggressively ideological agenda” on the school, departing from shared governance principles.
The AAUP’s sanction serves to highlight poor working conditions at higher education institutions. According to the organization, the overhaul of New College by DeSantis represents one of the most egregious violations of its principles and standards in recent memory.
Nathan March, a spokesperson for New College, contested the AAUP’s right to impose sanctions, labeling the announcement a “headline grab.” He argued that the persistent targeting of New College reflects its role in reforming higher education.
Since January 6, 2023, the college has undergone a transformation led by Governor DeSantis, aiming to reshape it in the image of Hillsdale College, a private conservative liberal arts school. The changes include appointing new conservative trustees, firing the sitting president, and appointing Richard Corcoran as interim president. Corcoran initiated the establishment of an athletics department, leading to a decline in academic performance and a drop in rankings.
Despite increased funding for the transformation, a significant number of students and faculty left the college, with over one-third of the faculty departing in the aftermath of the announced changes. The ongoing conflict underscores the clash between conservative-led reforms and academic principles at New College of Florida.
