What Happened to
New College of Florida?
The Takeover
In early 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis and his allies initiated a controversial takeover of New College of Florida as part of a broader political campaign to reshape higher education.
The governor appointed six conservative members to the college’s Board of Trustees, intent on undermining its long-standing commitment to progressive values, academic freedom, and personalized liberal arts education. The new board promptly fired the sitting president, replaced key administrators, and launched sweeping curriculum and governance changes in line with conservative priorities. The college’s deeply rooted tradition of fostering independent thought and inquiry was quickly replaced by an overtly politicized agenda focused on conformity and ideological control.
The upheaval elicited a powerful backlash from the New College community, as alumni, faculty, students, and supporters rallied to defend the school’s mission and principles. Alumni groups formed in protest, advocating for accountability and pushing back against the dismantling of what had been one of the country's most innovative liberal arts institutions. As the struggle continues, the future of New College remains uncertain, but its community remains steadfast in resisting efforts to erode the academic freedom upon which the school was built.
Why does it matter?
A Vision of Innovation in Liberal Arts
Founded in 1960 and opening its doors in 1964, New College of Florida was conceived as an experimental liberal arts college—a place that would break free from the constraints of traditional higher education. From its inception, New College was designed to allow students to take ownership of their education in a unique and intellectually rigorous environment. Instead of focusing on grades and rigid course requirements, New College emphasized independent learning, self-initiative, and direct engagement with faculty.
This educational freedom attracted a diverse student body known for their curiosity and drive. At its core, New College fostered critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary learning—equipping students not merely to succeed in their careers but to shape the world through bold ideas and innovative solutions. The student-faculty relationship was the heart of the learning process, with tutorials, independent study projects, and intimate seminars providing students the flexibility to build their academic paths.
A Top-Tier Liberal Arts Institution
For much of its history, New College was heralded as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. Consistently ranked by publications like U.S. News & World Report, New College became particularly renowned for its rigorous academics, small class sizes, and student-driven learning model. The school's Honors College status only heightened its reputation, drawing intellectually adventurous students from across the country and abroad.
Alumni of New College have gone on to prestigious graduate programs, gained Fulbright Scholarships, and carved out successful careers across a variety of fields. New College prided itself on academic freedom, intellectual exploration, and developing global citizens who value social justice, innovation, and sustainability. Faculty were known for their deep dedication to student mentorship and scholarly work, fostering both individual achievements and a vibrant academic community.
A Beacon of Liberal Arts Values
Though small in size, New College has always made a substantial impact as a forward-looking liberal arts bastion. It offered students not just an education but an opportunity to question, challenge, and explore the structures of academia and society. The campus became a home for critical thinkers, activists, artists, and scholars who cared deeply about issues around social justice, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Its long-standing commitment to diversity, both in terms of academic thought and student demographics, set it apart from more traditional peer institutions.
For decades, New College produced graduates equipped to tackle complex societal problems, and the institution became a symbol of what public liberal arts education could offer—a transformative approach to knowledge and citizenship development. However, recent political developments have put the college’s values—and its very future—at risk. The current questions surrounding New College’s governance and mission are not only about the future of one campus but are emblematic of larger debates over the purpose of liberal arts education in the modern era.
What now?
There are plenty of ways to support efforts to preserve the ideals of, and, hopefully, restore the New College of Florida. You can support the following organizations and efforts in a variety of ways!
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