Richard Corcoran, President of the New College of Florida and former Speaker of the Florida House, delves into the urgent battle for integrity in American education. He discusses the rise of parental activism against indoctrination and the successes of groups like Moms for Liberty. Corcoran critiques the impact of progressive ideologies on education and emphasizes the need for free speech and diverse thoughts in schools. He also highlights the transformative changes in Florida's education system detailed in his book, 'Storming The Ivory Tower.'
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Corcoran's Political Roots
Richard Corcoran's parents, who lived through the Depression and WWII, instilled in him the importance of having a strong philosophy.
This led him to become politically active, eventually serving as Speaker of the Florida House and Education Commissioner.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Team of Rivals
Corcoran initially endorsed DeSantis's opponent but was later asked to join his transition team.
DeSantis's approach, reminiscent of Lincoln's team of rivals, aimed to assemble the best people regardless of past disagreements.
question_answer ANECDOTE
New College Transformation
DeSantis appointed Corcoran as President of New College of Florida to combat leftist indoctrination.
The goal was to create a balanced liberal arts university focused on teaching students how to think, not what to think.
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Published in 1945, 'Animal Farm' is a novella that allegorically represents the Russian Revolution and the subsequent rise of Stalinism. The story begins with Old Major, a boar, inspiring the animals of Manor Farm to rebel against their human oppressor, Mr. Jones. After the rebellion, the animals rename the farm 'Animal Farm' and establish a utopian society based on the principles of equality and solidarity, known as Animalism. However, as time passes, the pigs, led by Napoleon and Snowball, consolidate power and gradually corrupt the original ideals, leading to a dystopian regime that mirrors the oppressive human rule they initially rebelled against. The novel critiques totalitarianism and the corrupting nature of power, reflecting Orwell's experiences and views on the Soviet Union under Stalin's rule.
God and man at Yale
the superstitions of "academic freedom"
William F. Buckley
Written in 1951, God and Man at Yale is a critical examination of Yale University's undergraduate education by William F. Buckley Jr., who had just graduated from the institution. The book argues that Yale's faculty were undermining the university's founding ethos of Christian humanism by promoting atheism, collectivism, and Keynesian economics. Buckley criticized specific courses and professors for their hostility to religion and individualism, suggesting that this was a betrayal of the values held by Yale's alumni. The book is considered a seminal work in the American conservative movement and had a significant impact on Buckley's career and public profile.
Storming the Ivory Tower
Storming the Ivory Tower
Richard Corcoran
Christopher F. Rufo
Richard Corcoran's "Storming the Ivory Tower" details his experiences as President of New College of Florida, recounting his battles against progressive interest groups and their influence on higher education. The book offers insights into the challenges of reforming higher education and preserving academic freedom. Corcoran's narrative highlights the importance of leadership and strategic action in combating ideological indoctrination. The book serves as a guide for those seeking to reform higher education institutions and promote intellectual diversity. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to education, fostering critical thinking rather than imposing a single ideology.
On this episode of "The Federalist Radio Hour," Richard Corcoran, President of the New College of Florida and former Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, joins The Federalist's Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle to discuss the fight happening at the education level to save America. While parents, grassroots activists, and conservative leaders have taken up the fight against leftist indoctrination all the way from kindergarten to college, there's more to be done — and Corcoran says President-elect Donald Trump has an opportunity to transform this country.
You can find Corcoran’s book, Storming The Ivory Tower: How a Florida College Became Ground Zero in The Struggle to Take Back Our Campuses, here.
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