In a bid to overhaul Florida’s education system, Governor Ron DeSantis appointed several conservatives, including anti-LGBTQ+ activist Christopher Rufo, to the board of trustees at the New College of Florida. This move aimed to transform the once-progressive and queer-friendly institution into a more conservative stronghold. With a “top-down restructuring” planned, including the creation of a new core curriculum, the college’s future hangs in the balance.
A Significant Exodus of Faculty
Since January, the college has witnessed an alarming departure of 36 faculty members in the past year alone. Given the institution’s small faculty size of fewer than 100 full-time members, this exodus has put a strain on its ability to provide necessary courses for its students. Moreover, the sudden nature of these resignations has left the college with little time to prepare for replacements, as the hiring process for full-time positions can often extend over a year.
A Troubling Impact on Students
As the college grapples with faculty shortages, the burden falls on students like third-year Alaska Miller. The neuroscience department, once thriving with multiple professors, now only has one remaining faculty member and no courses scheduled for the upcoming fall semester. This unfortunate situation has left students unsure about their academic future and raises concerns about timely graduation and fulfilling major requirements.
DeSantis’s War on Education and LGBTQ+ Issues
Governor DeSantis’s actions have stirred controversy in the realm of public education. His “Don’t Say Gay” law and opposition to teaching racial and LGBTQ+ issues in schools have sparked significant debates. Furthermore, the recent law prohibiting funding for programs promoting “diversity, equity, and inclusivity” (DEI) has left educational institutions grappling with challenges to address crucial social and political topics.
Amidst legal debates over the constitutionality of DeSantis’s measures, the New College of Florida finds itself in the crosshairs of this political turmoil. As it strives to maintain its progressive legacy, the college’s battle for survival against the backdrop of an anti-LGBTQ+ takeover serves as a poignant reflection of broader challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in the realm of education.