College Matters from The Chronicle A Crunchy College Goes Conservative
May 20, 2025
Emma Pettit, a senior reporter at The Chronicle of Higher Education, discusses the significant transformations at New College of Florida after a conservative takeover. She reveals how the college abandoned gender studies and embraced a Western-centric curriculum, changing its identity from ‘Barefoot U’ to a more traditional campus. Enrollment is on the rise, drawing a new type of student, while faculty express growing concern over diminished influence. The shifting landscape mirrors wider cultural battles in higher education, navigating complex narratives and political influences.
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New College's Quirky Identity
- New College was known as a quirky, barefoot, granola-crunchy campus with unique academics and no letter grades.
- Personalized narrative evaluations and academic self-contracts emphasized freedom and creativity for students.
Mixed Reactions After Takeover
- Initial protests against the board overhaul were intense but faded as opponents left.
- Remaining students and faculty hold a range of opinions about ongoing changes.
Echo Chamber Problems Pre-Takeover
- Despite the liberal reputation, New College had issues with ideological conformity and student ostracism.
- Surveys revealed many considered leaving due to an echo chamber and aggressive disagreements.