The NPR Politics Podcast The Tiny Liberal Arts College At The Heart Of The Culture War
Jul 26, 2023
Cathy Carter, a WUSF reporter in Tampa Bay, delves into the tumultuous changes at New College of Florida, where Governor DeSantis's educational reforms are polarizing the campus. She discusses the impact of banning diversity initiatives and the mass exodus of faculty, highlighting protests against these controversial policies. The conversation also touches on the clash between progressive values and conservative agendas in education, reflecting broader national trends and the implications for the future of higher education.
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New College Targeted
- Governor DeSantis targeted New College of Florida, a small liberal arts school, for its progressive values and LGBTQ+ presence.
- He aims to transform it into a more conservative institution modeled after Hillsdale College, a Christian school in Michigan.
New College's Transformation
- DeSantis's appointed trustees fired New College's president and eliminated the DEI office to restructure the school.
- They aim to implement classical studies and establish a "freedom institute" to counter "cancel culture."
Backlash Against DeSantis
- DeSantis's higher education bill abolishes DEI initiatives and restricts professors' teaching topics.
- This has led to significant backlash, protests, faculty resignations, and concerns about parental rights.