Media & Resources

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Sarasota Herald Tribune – November 14th, 2024

New College to offer 'woke movement' course taught by right-wing media personality

New College will offer an independent study course called “The Woke Movement” in January, as first reported by the Tampa Bay Times. Andrew Doyle, a British conservative media personality and presidential scholar in residence at New College, will teach the monthlong course.

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Tampa Bay Times – November 12th, 2024

New College of Florida offers course in ‘Woke’ movement

The “Woke” Movement — offered as a one-month independent study in January — paints the movement as “a kind of cult” that’s methods are “essentially illiberal” and whose members “are capable of the most dehumanizing behavior,” according to the course description emailed to students Sunday evening.

The Guardian – November 12th, 2024

Revealed: Florida liberal arts college in rightwing hiring spree after takeover

New College of Florida, which has been the subject of a rightwing takeover that has reversed its previous reputation as a liberal arts school, has hired ideologically aligned rightwing faculty and staff for a range of positions, in a process that an internal open letter said “often replaced faculty expertise with administrative fiat."

Ms. Magazine – November 11th, 2024

Books in Dumpsters, But Ideas Thrive: The Resilient Legacy of New College of Florida

The power and influence of education—whether that be in classrooms or what we learn from each other when we join together in struggle—resists finite definitions.

Inside Higher Ed – October 29th, 2024

A Clash Over Core Curriculum at New College of Florida

Faculty say administrators at the public liberal arts institution are changing core course offerings in a way that is ideologically driven and harmful to students.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 30th, 2024

New College national ranking drops double-digits for the second year in a row

New College of Florida’s national stock took a hit for the second year in a row, with another drop in U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of the top liberal arts schools in the county — though New College representatives say the ranking doesn't accurately reflect the school's status.

The Guardian – September 28th, 2024

Florida university to host extremist after DeSantis-led lurch to right

New College of Florida (NCF) will host the extremist writer Steve Sailer, who has been described as a “white supremacist” and a “proponent of scientific racism”, at a college-branded public event next month.

Tampa Bay Times – September 18th, 2024

State pushes back on New College’s $15M funding request

New College’s per-student operating cost already dwarfs the state average, including at larger schools.

Tampa Bay Times – September 6th, 2024

New College fires librarian over book disposals

New College has fired its dean of libraries, saying she was responsible for the improper disposal of thousands of books and ignored the advice of a New College attorney.

Inside Higher Ed – August 20th, 2024

New College of Florida Is Dumping Books—and Losing Professors

The conservative transformation of the institution continues, with gender studies texts being tossed and the faculty chair, plus other professors, taking leave.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 17th, 2024

Amy Reid, chair of New College of Florida faculty and gender studies, is leaving

Professor Reid told the Herald-Tribune that she is taking a leave of absence without pay for a year to work a grant position with PEN America, a nonprofit focused on protecting free expression. Reid has been with New College since 1996, and was the founding director of the school’s gender studies program.

Diverse Education – August 16th, 2024

ACLU of Florida Rebukes Book Disposal at New College of Florida

“We vehemently condemn the reprehensible actions taken by New College of Florida, where hundreds of library books — including those concerning LGBTQ+ studies — have been unceremoniously discarded, destined for a landfill,” said Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.

Them – August 16th, 2024

One Year After DeSantis Takeover, Florida’s New College Throws Out Hundreds of LGBTQ+ Books

More than a year after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis seized control of the progressive public university New College of Florida and abolished its gender studies department, the effects of the Republican takeover are now on display, as hundreds of perfectly good books get thrown in the trash.

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ABC News – August 16th, 2024

Books dumped en masse at Florida's New College, sparking controversy

The New College of Florida is under fire after what appears to be hundreds of books that have been wiped from its collection and discarded on the street.

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Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 16th, 2024

New College of Florida tosses hundreds of library books, empties gender diversity library

Hundreds of New College of Florida library books, including many on LGBTQ+ topics and religious studies, are headed to a landfill.

Washington Times – August 6th, 2024

Three Florida professors file lawsuit against Republican-led tenure restrictions

Professors Sarah Hernandez of the New College of Florida, Adriana Novoa of the University of South Florida and Steven J. Willis of the University of Florida filed the lawsuit in coordination with NCF Freedom this month in Leon County.

Florida Politics – August 2nd, 2024

Florida professors challenge changes to tenure as unconstitutional

NCF Freedom will back the challenge from faculty at New College, UF and USF over a new law abolishing tenure.

Tampa Bay Times – August 1st, 2024

UF, USF, New College professors sue over Florida’s new tenure rules

The suit says undergoing post-tenure review every five years could restrict academic freedom and cost access to grants.

WUSF – July 18th, 2024

Judge rejects requests by New College's board to dismiss a higher-ed law challenge

A Leon County circuit judge has rejected requests by the New College of Florida Board of Trustees and the state university system’s Board of Governors to dismiss a challenge to a 2023 law that did away with arbitration in university employment disputes.

Florida Phoenix – July 11th, 2024

New College of Florida tears up nature preserve, claims it’s an improvement

Neighbors and alumni are outraged but President Richard Corcoran pushes on with his expansion of sports facilities

Observer – June 28th, 2024

Residents opposed to New College tree removal booted from meeting

Residents opposed to New College of Florida clearing trees and mangroves in the Uplands Preserve were kicked out of the State University System’s Board of Governors meeting Friday in Orlando after being denied a chance to speak on the issue.

Tampa Bay Times – June 14th, 2024

New College’s new plan: more students, more faculty, more ‘civil discourse’

The New College of Florida Board of Trustees on Thursday approved a revamped five-year business plan, setting up the release of tens of millions of dollars earmarked for the school in the state budget.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – June 13th, 2024

New College of Florida board approves new strategic plan, core curriculum with AI elements

The newly-approved framework for New College's core curriculum, which includes courses built around "logos" and "techne", would be implemented by Fall 2025. The proposal included AI-generated art of Benjamin Franklin flying a drone, Marie Curie holding bitcoin, Isaac Newton using a Macbook, and a Greek philosopher wearing a virtual reality headset.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – June 12th, 2024

New College of Florida to renew hotel contracts, build portables amid housing shortage

New College of Florida is moving to renew its contracts with local hotels and build temporary portable housing units as it continues to face a housing crisis on campus from the closure of dorms and an influx of student-athletes driving record enrollment.

Florida Politics – June 2nd, 2024 

Ron DeSantis says revamped New College is like where the ‘Founding Fathers’ went to school

Speaking Saturday at New College in Sarasota, DeSantis boasted that the school has been wrested away from “the Left,” and is now akin to places that the property-owning white men who established the United States learned.

ABC7 – June 1st, 2024

Governor DeSantis speaks at New College in Sarasota

A video of the Governor’s speech at New College of Florida.

Your Observer – May 30th, 2024

New College's tree removal from Uplands stuns neighbors

Despite objections from neighbors and a stop order issued — and then rescinded — by the city of Sarasota, New College of Florida is continuing to clear 100-year-old pine trees from a portion of an area known as the Uplands Preserve to make way for new athletic facilities.

WFLA – May 29th, 2024

New College of Florida plans to discipline students for ‘disrupting’ graduation

In an op-ed published Monday in the Wall Street Journal, New College President Richard Corcoran said students will face consequences, including “withholding degrees until students issue apology letters or take mandatory classes on civil discourse to suspension or expulsion.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – May 29th, 2024

New College of Florida set to punish student protesters following boos at commencement

New College President Richard Corcoran said the school could withhold degrees from students who protested.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – May 28th, 2024

City of Sarasota orders New College of Florida to stop removing trees from Uplands Preserve

New College of Florida’s construction at the Uplands Bayfront Preserve is in limbo as the City of Sarasota ordered them to halt the removal of trees in an effort to turn the land into athletics facilities.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – May 24th, 2024

New College of Florida removes trees, plants from Uplands to build sports fields

Activists and alumni claim the college lacks the authority to remove anything — a fact refuted by New College leadership.

WSLR – May 22nd, 2024

New College Commencement Erupts in Protest

But the keynote speaker’s biggest challenge to be heard was the microphone.

New College of Florida – May 21st, 2024

2024 New College Commencement Address

The 2024 Commencement speech by Joe Ricketts. Ricketts’s speech was interrupted by technical difficulties and boos from the crowd.

The Nation – May 21st, 2024

Inside New College of Florida’s Counter-Commencement

As Ron DeSantis and Chris Rufo plunge ahead with the school’s transformation into a right-wing clown college, the students have become the adults in the room. 

Popular Information – May 16th, 2024

The myth of "woke" indoctrination at American universities

According to some prominent billionaires, political pundits, and media figures, American universities have undergone a radical transformation…These claims are never backed by data. They are based on anecdotes or a general impression. But, despite a lack of factual evidence, the idea that universities have gone "woke" and are indoctrinating students with far-left ideologies has gained widespread acceptance.

Your Observer – May 14th, 2024

SRQ CEO rebuts FAA's claims in New College land sale denial

Rick Piccolo sends documents to the Federal Aviation Administration that prove it knew of and approved the lease of 31 acres it now wants to sell to New College of Florida.

WUSF – April, 24th, 2024

Seven reasons why the FAA blocked Sarasota airport’s land sale to New College

The airport is growing fast, tripling traffic in the last several years. And New College of Florida is also trying to expand. The deal aimed to satisfy both, but was nixed by federal aviation authorities.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – April 12th, 2024

FAA rejects a major land deal between New College of Florida and Sarasota Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration has rejected a major land deal between New College of Florida and the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport designed to avert a financial nightmare for New College that awaits at the end of a 100-year land lease agreement and pave the way for long-term plans for the college's campus.

Tampa Bay Times – April 12th, 2024

New College President Richard Corcoran gets $200K bonus after first year

Trustees said he met the goals they laid out for him as the school underwent a controversial transformation.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – April 11th, 2024

New College of Florida board approves $200k bonus for Corcoran, denies tenure to professor

New College of Florida's board of trustees voted Thursday to approve tenure for six professors, deny tenure to Hugo Viera-Vargas, and approve a $200,000 bonus for President Richard Corcoran as part of his yearly evaluation.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – March 27th, 2024

State education officials OK $1.1 million in funding for Sarasota's New College of Florida

New College of Florida is in line to receive $1.1 million in what is known as performance-based funding after state university system officials on Wednesday signed off on a “student success plan monitoring report” presented by the school’s president, Richard Corcoran.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – March 26th, 2024

SRQ airport inks major deals with New College, Manatee County and airline carriers

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport approved a land swap agreement to convey 30.94 acres of land to New College of Florida permanently, pending final approval by the Federal Aviation Administration and state funding appropriations.

ABC7 – March 22nd, 2024

Residents express concern over New College of Florida expansion

Following the release of the Campus Master Plan, Student Success Plan, and Business Plan, members of the community communicated their discontent: “...there were projects brewing that would have such a big impact on our neighborhood and we did not have any warning until the plans were presented to us.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – March 19th, 2024

New College of Florida to receive millions from state, but money comes with requirements

New College of Florida is slated to receive tens of millions of dollars in a budget approved this month by the Legislature — but will face requirements tied to some of the money. The proposed 2024-2025 state budget, which needs approval from Gov. Ron DeSantis, includes $10 million for “operational enhancements” at the school.

Times Higher Education  – March 12th, 2024

‘Case for Colonialism’ professor hired by New College of Florida

Author of controversial book and journal paper takes up one-year ‘presidential scholar’ post after institutional takeover by allies of Ron DeSantis

WUSF NPR – March 7th, 2024

USF hosts New College president in debate on DEI public funds

New College of Florida president Richard Corcoran, who spoke against public funding for DEI programs, and Ameshia Cross, of the Education Trust, kept the discussion cordial despite the polarizing topic.

Tampa Bay Times – March 5th, 2024

Florida lawmakers put conditions on DeSantis’ spending as they unveil $117B budget

When state lawmakers unveiled their $117.4 billion budget for the next fiscal year on Tuesday, it included strings on some of DeSantis’ top priorities, as well as some cuts.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – March 5th, 2024

New College of Florida baseball player accused of battery on Sarasota police officer

A New College of Florida baseball player faces a court appearance later this month following his arrest in February on charges of public intoxication, possession of a fake ID and battery on an officer.

Raw Story – March 5th, 2024

Florida Republicans fire warning shot at DeSantis for his 'anti-woke' college experiment

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has spent over a year transforming the Sarasota-based New College of Florida into a prototype for conservative-governed, "anti-woke" higher education — but according to independent investigative reporter Jason Garcia, the GOP-backed legislature may be sending him a warning that he needs to stop messing around.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – February 29th, 2024

New College of Florida hires professor who argued in favor of colonialism

New College of Florida is hiring professor Bruce Gilley, who once published an article arguing in favor of colonialism, the college announced in a press release Thursday. 

The American Conservative – February 29th, 2024

Why I Am Joining the Reconquista

Bruce Gilley, a professor who was recently hired under contract at New College (and who wrote an article arguing in favor of colonialism), contends that “taking back power from the academic left depends on storming the public institutions, not fleeing from them.” 

The Daily Beast – February 26th, 2024

Florida College Hit With Rare Sanction After DeSantis’ ‘Egregious’ Takeover

New College of Florida, the school infamously overhauled by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his pals, was slapped with a rare sanction by a national faculty group Monday for “egregious and extensive” standards violations during its conservative takeover last year.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – February 26th, 2024

National college professors group sanctions New College: 'politically motivated takeover'

The New College takeover was 'one of the most egregious and extensive violations of AAUP principles and standards at a single institution in recent memory,' the organization said.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – February 23rd, 2024

New College of Florida board approves airport land purchase, new graduate degree program

At its first meeting of the spring semester and first in-person meeting since October, New College of Florida's Board of Trustees met to approve several items ranging from multi-million-dollar land deals to new academic programs.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – February 18th, 2024

New College of Florida one year later: A tumultuous transition for liberal arts school

Following many of the changes at New College, the school's retention rate of first-year students plummeted and dropout rates spiked, according to metrics shared by the college's provost on Oct. 12. In the 2023 U.S. News and World Report rankings of top liberal arts colleges in the country, New College dropped 24 spots compared to the previous year.

Sarasota Herald Tribune  – February 16th, 2024

New College activist group drops federal academic freedom lawsuit over state law

Lawsuit could resume if there are further “concrete actions” taken by New College of Florida administration against academic freedom.

Florida Politics – February 15th, 2024

Academic freedom lawsuit dropped against New College

NCF Freedom filed a motion to voluntarily dismiss the case within the courts. The dismissal was filed without prejudice.

NCF Catalyst – February 13th, 2024

Richard Corcoran and David Rancourt present controversial comedy bits in off-campus ISP

On Jan. 25, a video uploaded to Youtube by McCurdy’s Comedy, a historic theater in downtown Sarasota, documented New College Dean of Students David Rancourt’s stand-up comedy debut.  Not all New College students are laughing, however.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – February 1st, 2024

New College of Florida dean of students performs comedy routine some call 'homophobic'

A recording of New College of Florida's dean of students making jokes about homosexual sex at a downtown Sarasota comedy club has circulated social media platforms, with some calling the jokes he made homophobic.

Daily Beast – February 1st, 2024

New College of Florida Dean Cracks Homophobic Jokes in Baffling Comedy Routine

The newly installed dean of students at New College of Florida cracked homophobic jokes and made a series of bizarre comments as part of a recent stand-up comedy routine—a bit that’s managed to enrage some students and alumni even as the university continues to stand behind him.

New York Times – January 31st, 2024

Recruited to Play Sports, and Win a Culture War

Many New College athletes had no idea they were part of Ron DeSantis’s attack on “woke ideology.” Then the semester began.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – January 17th, 2024

New College of Florida faculty vote against college's online program with billionaire

New College of Florida faculty approved a resolution Wednesday afternoon expressing their disapproval of the recently announced online degree program in collaboration with billionaire GOP megadonor Joe Ricketts.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – January 12th, 2024

New College of Florida and Joe Ricketts: What to know about their new partnership

Ricketts, the billionaire former founder of TD Ameritrade, founder of Ricketts Great Books College and owner of the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team, told the audience at College Hall that he had been trying relentlessly for years to get connected to universities across the country.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – January 11th, 2024

New College of Florida launches online degree program in collaboration with billionaire

New College of Florida is launching an online liberal arts degree featuring courses with material provided in collaboration with Ricketts Great Books College, a program created by billionaire Joe Ricketts, a Gov. Ron DeSantis mega-donor.

ABC Action News – January 11th, 2024

New College of Florida announces new 2-year associates degree program

The controversial New College of Florida has announced a new two-year liberal arts degree, and it will be open to students anywhere through distance learning.

According to the school, after a student completes the A.A. degree, they will then have the option to earn a four-year bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts by attending classes either online or in person.

Florida Politics – December 28th, 2023

Richard Corcoran says New College business plan ‘wildly misrepresented’

A $400M capital outlay plan includes $173M in non-state funding, Corcoran stressed.

Tallahassee Democrat – December 27th, 2023

Biggest Florida scandals in 2023: Zieglers, New College, Disney, Nazis and other controversies

In 2023, Florida was something of an epicenter for scandals and controversies that shook the nation. The Sunshine State got a lot of attention this year, and most of it wasn’t good.

SRQ Magazine – December 25th, 2023

New College Retains Accreditation

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges informed the Sarasota university last week that the school remains in compliant with the Principles of Compliance for the body. That followed multiple unsolicited accusations about the school submitted to the organization and investigation since September.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – December 21st, 2023

Accrediting agency dismisses complaints filed against New College alleging violations

New College of Florida's accrediting body sent two letters to President Richard Corcoran affirming that several complaints made against the college by third parties were without merit, the college announced Wednesday.

The Center for Public Integrity – December 19th, 2023

Attacks on tenure leave college professors eyeing the exits

Republican-led efforts to dismantle free-speech protections on college campuses could reshape the geography of higher education.

Slate – December 14th, 2023

Dismantling the House of Liberal Academia

There’s a reason disputes like what happened to the college presidents are becoming more and more common.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – December 12th, 2023

New College board approves terms for a major land deal with the SRQ airport

New College of Florida inked a preliminary agreement for a major land purchase from the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport on Monday, and the college is now preparing its pitch to state legislators for millions of dollars in investment for campus improvements.

MSNBC – December 7th, 2023

Florida is showing red states how to dismantle higher education

The American Association of University Professors has just released a frightening report entitled “Political Interference and Academic Freedom in Florida’s Public Higher Education System.” It is a lengthy, meticulously researched and sober account of the destruction that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is inflicting upon his state’s colleges and universities. 

Tallahassee Democrat – December 6th, 2023 

Professors union report says Florida higher ed policies must be fought 'tooth and nail'

“The survival of the institution of higher education free from political interference and the ideological agenda of autocrats — a cornerstone of democratic societies — hangs in the balance,” wrote a special committee put together by the American Association of University Professors. Read the report here. 

Florida Politics – December 5th, 2023

Gov. DeSantis seeks another big budget boost at New College

A budget proposal from Gov. Ron DeSantis provides more than $37 million for New College of Florida. That’s not including reappropriation of money marked for the Sarasota school last year.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – December 5th, 2023

New College hires lobbyist as it seeks federal funds to revitalize historic estate

New College of Florida has hired Ballard Partners to lobby for federal funding to revitalize the historic Ellen and Ralph Caples Estate, which is a part of the Caples-Ringling Estates Historic District in Sarasota known for its connections to the Ringling Bros. Circus.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – November 28th, 2023

Higher ed joke? New College trustee Christopher Rufo nominated for UC Berkeley chancellor

Christopher Rufo, a conservative activist and New College of Florida trustee, was nominated as a candidate to be the chancellor of the University of California Berkeley, according to a social media post by Rufo.

Florida Politics – November 27th, 2023

New College of Florida hires Ballard Partners for federal lobbying work

Ballard Partners was hired to monitor federal education and infrastructure legislation, according to O’Dwyers, a public relations trade publication. 

Bay News 9 – November 26th, 2023

A New Era for New College 

Richard Corcoran discusses the Israel-Hamas war and its impact on college campuses, his appointment as President of New College of Florida, and the direction of the school. 

Sarasota Magazine – November 22nd, 2023

Check Out the Winning Architectural Firm’s Approach to Repurposing New College’s I.M. Pei Dorms

Sarasota firm Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors has been announced as the winner of the “Reimagining Pei” architectural competition led by New College of Florida and Architecture Sarasota, which aims to incorporate the east campus dorms into an athletic and recreational complex with retail and restaurants.  

The Chronicle – November 15th, 2023

Why is Stanley Fish Teaching at Florida’s New College?

An interview about politics, academic freedom, and “ideological odor.” 

Chronicle of Higher Education – November 14th, 2023

New College of Florida Seeks $400M for Conservative Transformation

The high-priced business plan emphasizes new facilities and academic programs, as well as athletics. Officials say the money is needed to reach state goals.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – November 13th, 2023

New College of Florida announces ‘Pathway to Teaching’ partnership with Manatee Schools

New College of Florida and the Manatee County School District announced Monday the launch of a program to help place students aspiring to be teachers into classrooms and give them a mentor to help navigate the process of becoming one.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – November 9th, 2023

Florida Board of Governors names new member to New College of Florida Board of Trustees

Patterson, a Sarasota resident, was the co-founder and chief operating officer of Ascend Wireless Networks and is a graduate of Liberty University, a private evangelical Christian college in Virginia. He ran for Sarasota City Commission's District 2 seat in 2020, receiving 380 votes.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – November 9th, 2023

New College of Florida asks state for almost half a billion dollars over next five years

New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran presented a business plan to Florida's university system Board of Governors on Wednesday that asks for almost half a billion dollars from the state over the next five years — a figure largely unseen by the small Sarasota liberal arts school.

WFLA – November 8th, 2023

‘Haven for Harvard refugees’: Free tuition offered to Harvard students who want to transfer to New College of Florida

New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran has declared the liberal arts school a “haven for Harvard refugees,” and is offering free tuition to students “facing intolerance or physical danger” at the Ivy League school.

The Capitolist – November 8th, 2023

Sticker shock: New College business plan calls for $600k per student to implement conservative vision

A highly-anticipated business plan presentation by New College of Florida (NCF), slated for Wednesday afternoon, will include a request that state lawmakers pony up $420 million in direct and indirect state investment to help sustain an already-underway conservative makeover of the school, according to documents submitted to the Board of Governors before the meeting.

Teen Vogue – November 7th, 2023

New College in Exile: Hampshire College

After a hostile takeover by conservatives of Florida’s tiny public honors college, so many students sought to transfer, a Massachusetts college took on 35 this semester alone.

The Capitolist – November 5th, 2023

Budget hawks start to circle over New College of Florida’s fiscal-fantasy business plan

Pressure is mounting at New College of Florida in Sarasota, where a controversial new business plan is causing a stir among conservatives worried as much about budgetary discipline as they are about educational innovation. 

Daily Collegian – October 29th, 2023

Hampshire College offers admission to New College of Florida students

New College has a curriculum similar to Hampshire College. Students create their own concentration and receive narrative evaluations instead of grades. Hampshire put out an admission offer for New College students, and offered to match their tuition.

Tallahassee Democrat – October 23rd, 2023

Professors, students ask judge to temporarily block DeSantis' DEI funding ban

In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege that their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights are being violated in a variety of ways. They accuse the law of being vague and overbroad. They say it’s "content based and viewpoint based censorship of speech in violation of the First Amendment.”

Florida Phoenix – October 23rd, 2023

U.S. judge in academic-freedom case promises speedy ruling; could block higher ed law

A legal challenge to a Florida law forbidding university classes that “distort” history or programs that foster diversity may turn on whether it has actually harmed the group of professors, students, and others behind their lawsuit.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 20th, 2023

New College of Florida board approves bigger contract with Richard Corcoran

The contract makes Corcoran among the highest-paid university presidents in Florida's state university system, despite New College of Florida being the state's smallest public college.

Orlando Sentinel – October 20th, 2023

DeSantis ally Corcoran gets $1.3 million contract as New College president

New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran is set to earn up to $1.3 million per year in salary and benefits under a five-year contract approved Friday, making him one of the highest-paid public university leaders in Florida.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 19th, 2023

First Lady Casey DeSantis announces employment program with New College of Florida, DCF

DeSantis, whose husband was campaigning for president in South Carolina during the press conference, said New College would become the first state university to be an employment sponsor with Hope Florida, a program through the DCF that helps Floridians transition off of public assistance programs.

ABC Action News – October 19th, 2023

New College of Florida president's contract is unusually high, analysts say

New College of Florida may be the smallest college in the state’s public university system, but its newly minted president is on tap to become one of its highest-paid.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 13th, 2023

Officials detail plans for major land swap between New College and SRQ airport

A major land swap is in the works to avert a financial nightmare for New College of Florida that awaits at the end of a 100-year land lease agreement with the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 12th, 2023

New College of Florida dropout rate spikes, retention rate falls amid DeSantis' transition

New College of Florida lost more than twice the normal number of students it usually does between fall semesters this year, according to a report sent to faculty from the college's provost Wednesday.

Tampa Bay Times – October 10th, 2023

Richard Corcoran’s New College salary could get larger or stay the same

Either way, the new president will be paid more than many higher education leaders.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 5th, 2023

Florida education officials react to UF report that criticized New College transformation

Some top state higher-education officials on Wednesday responded to analyses by two unidentified University of Florida professors of a New College of Florida business plan. The business plan came amid a series of changes at New College, after Gov. Ron DeSantis early this year appointed a slate of conservative trustees to lead the Sarasota school.

WMNF – October 4th, 2023

“Students Against Facism in Education” protest New College of Florida’s new presidential pick

Former Republican House Speaker Richard Corcoran was chosen yesterday as New College of Florida’s permanent president after serving less than a year as interim president. The move further solidifies a veritable conservative grip on the traditionally liberal arts school as part of myriad of changes after Republican Governor Ron DeSantis appointed a majority of the Board of Trustees with conservative allies earlier this year, which ousted past president Patricia Okker, and replaced her promptly with Corcoran. Even before the decision was announced, dozens of students gathered on campus in protest of the decision.

The Nation – October 4th, 2023

How DeSantis Is Using Sports to Hijack a Florida College

The far-right extremists in charge of New College are recruiting baseball players to overhaul the ideology of the student body.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 3rd, 2023

New College of Florida trustees vote Richard Corcoran as permanent president

Richard Corcoran will be New College of Florida's permanent president, shedding his interim title following an overwhelming vote in his favor by the board of trustees Tuesday.

ABC Action News  – October 2nd, 2023

New communications chief at New College of Florida is out after just 2 months

Just two months after he was hired as part of the state’s controversial overhaul at New College of Florida, the school’s communications chief says he was fired.

SRQ Magazine – October 2nd, 2023

New College Sues Bard College Over Alt Effort

New College of Florida on Friday issued a cease-and-desist letter to Bard College, demanding it stop branding a new venture at AltNewCollege.org.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 2nd, 2023

New College of Florida expected to officially make Richard Corcoran president this week

New College of Florida's board of trustees is poised to select its next president at the upcoming meeting Oct. 3, according to the meeting's agenda, a decision that is widely expected to result in giving interim president Richard Corcoran the permanent title.

Ms. Magazine – October 2nd, 2023

New College of Florida Eliminates Gender Studies Program, Leaving Students in the Crossfire

“What is happening at New College can happen anywhere”—making gender studies and its study of power dynamics more necessary than ever, says Dr. Viki Peer. 

Florida Politics – September 30th, 2023

New College sends cease-and-desist to Bard College over ‘Alt New College’ effort

New College of Florida leaders have sent a cease-and-desist letter to an online effort featuring ex-professors who left the institution.

The legal move comes weeks after Bard College launched Alt New College, an “online institute to support the academic freedom of faculty and students following the hostile takeover of New College of Florida.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 28, 2023

New College of Florida settles with U.S. Department of Education in civil rights probe

New College of Florida agreed to a settlement with the U.S. Department of Education regarding a federal investigation into compliance with federal disability access laws, according to a release from the college Thursday.

WUSF Public Media – September 27th, 2023

New College of Florida alumni and supporters launch online learning platform as alternative to conservative makeover

New College of Florida alumni and supporters have launched an online learning platform called Alt New College.

Organizers say the project will feature free and subsidized lectures and courses in subjects that members of the college's new leadership have pulled back on.

The Guardian – September 26th, 2023

‘This is not a Trumpy, conservative education’: Florida’s controversial new SAT alternative

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) emphasizes a “classical” style of education, where students study great works throughout western civilization, including pieces by Plato, Shakespeare and Voltaire. It’s been called the “Christian-backed” SAT, which isn’t entirely incorrect, as before this month the test was only accepted in admissions to private, faith-based colleges.

neaToday – September 22nd, 2023

Why Didn’t Hugo Viera-Vargas Get Tenure?

The respected New College of Florida professor got caught up in DeSantis’ culture war.

New York Times – September 22nd, 2023

Sports Are In, Gender Studies Are Out at College Targeted by DeSantis

An influx of athletes is among many changes since Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida vowed to transform New College, a public institution, into a bastion of conservatism.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 18th, 2023

New College of Florida plummets in national ranking amid DeSantis conservative overhaul

As New College of Florida undergoes a conservative transformation, the small public liberal arts honors school saw a dramatic drop in its national ranking, according to a newly released list.

WUSF – September 16th, 2023

Richard Corcoran defends the conservative direction of New College at Tiger Bay Club event

Richard Corcoran, the former state lawmaker turned interim president for New College of Florida, defended the conservative direction the small liberal arts Sarasota school at an event for the Tampa Tiger Bay Club on Friday.

He made his case to be named the school's president permanently, even as he faced questions from the crowd, including a number of concerned parents of students and former students.

PEN America – September 15th, 2023

PEN America is Among Partners of New “Alt New College” in Response to Hostile Takeover of Fl College

In light of the unprecedented hostile takeover of New College of Florida (NCF) and resulting limits on academic expression in Florida, members of the New College community have announced the creation of “Alt New College,” (https://www.altnewcollege.org/) whose mission it is to bring leading thinkers and educators, including former NCF faculty, to teach free and subsidized lectures, tutorials and short courses and for-credit courses to support the academic freedom of students who have been put in the middle of a political crossfire by partisan politicians.  

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 15th, 2023

New College of Florida President Corcoran downplays federal civil rights investigation

Corcoran downplayed the investigation, calling it a "quote-unquote investigation, not an investigation," despite the DOE's letter to Corcoran saying it was "opening this disability discrimination allegation for investigation."

Florida Phoenix – September 15th, 2023

Richard Corcoran says he’s never compared New College of Florida to Hillsdale College

Although Richard Corcoran says he wants to transform New College of Florida into a classical liberal arts institution, he emphasized on Friday that he himself has never said that his goal is to remake the school in the image of Hillsdale College, the small Christian school in Michigan that has been connected to Republican politics.

Chronicle – September 15th, 2023

Why Scholars Are Creating an ‘Alt New College’

As New College of Florida continues to move in a different ideological direction, former students and faculty members are building what they see as an educational resistance.

They have joined national and international free-speech and education groups to form “Alt New College,” a network of online courses for students who remain at the revamped New College and, as critics see it, face limits on what they can learn and say.

MSNBC – September 14th, 2023

The feds are probing DeSantis’ favorite propaganda hub

New College of Florida, a school that Gov. Ron DeSantis has tried to transform into a bastion of right-wing thought, is facing a federal civil rights probe.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 13th, 2023

New College: What we know about the federal civil rights investigation

The federal investigation came after two discrimination complaints filed to the DOE. The DOE sent a letter to Interim President Richard Corcoran last week that involves alleged disability discrimination regarding the school's website, a complaint filed Aug. 24, according to a department spokesperson.

CNN – September 12, 2023

New College of Florida under investigation for alleged civil rights violation

The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights said it plans to investigate “whether the College, on the basis of disability, excluded qualified persons with disabilities from participation in, denied them the benefits of, or otherwise subjected them to discrimination in its programs, activities, aids, benefits, or services,” attorney David Kutch with the Office of Civil Rights, wrote.

USA Today – September 9th, 2023

After conservative overhaul, New College of Florida faces federal civil rights investigation

The U.S. Department of Education has launched an investigation into New College of Florida’s trustees and administration following a civil rights complaint filed on Aug. 22, according to a letter sent Friday from the agency to college's president.

CNN – September 8th, 2023

Board of Governors for Florida’s public universities votes to approve new CLT college entrance exam

Florida’s Board of Governors voted Friday to approve the use of results from the Classic Learning Test, or CLT, in college admissions. The approval makes Florida the first state university system to accept the SAT and ACT alternative, the New York Times reported.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 8th, 2023

Civil rights complaint filed with U.S. Justice, Education against New College board, admin

A civil rights complaint against New College of Florida's trustees and administration was filed to the U.S. Departments of Justice and Education on Aug. 22, according to documents obtained by the Herald-Tribune.

ABC Action News – September 6th, 2023

New College’s interim president talks about school’s future, defends state’s controversial takeover

It took six months before Richard Corcoran agreed to sit down and talk about the state’s controversial revamp of New College. “New College lost its way and went off center and got very traditionally left,” Corcoran said during a recent interview from campus.

Inside Higher Ed – September 5th, 2023

A New Home for New College of Florida Émigrés

When conservative leaders took over Florida’s only public liberal arts institution, Hampshire College officials knew they had to help. Now they’re welcoming the first cohort of New College defectors.

Time Magazine – August 30th, 2023

Christopher Rufo’s Alarming and Deceptive Crusade Against Public Universities

“Public universities,” Christopher Rufo wrote on August 11 on X (formerly Twitter), “are not a ‘free marketplace of ideas.’” 

This provocative statement doesn’t fully convey Rufo’s views on the subject; he’s noted elsewhere that universities should be an “environment of open, substantive debate.” But as a trustee at New College of Florida, Rufo has demonstrated the limits of his tolerance for ideas that differ from his own.

Alex Wagner Tonight, MSNBC – August 29th, 2023

‘Toxic’: Desantis’ push to transform university drives out students, faculty 

Less than a year after Ron DeSantis appointed a new board of trustees to remake New College of Florida in the image of DeSantis' 'war on woke' political stunt, nearly 40 faculty members have left the small school, along with many students, who the board is trying to replace with lower standards and athletic scholarships. 

Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 28th, 2023

New College: What students had to say on the first day of classes

Even with the $10,000 Presidential scholarship, Nilah Johnson, a first year at New College of Florida, said there’s a sense of anxiety hoping the college doesn’t fall apart. With all the changes, faculty departures and facilities issues, she said New College is on sensitive ground.

Florida Phoenix – October 14th, 2024

Invitation to ‘eugenicon’ shows how far off the track New College has wandered

“Welcoming white supremacists to campus is not good.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 20th, 2024

What does New College President Corcoran have in common with Ben Sasse? Too much.

NCF Freedom Treasurer Kathleen Coty finds many unsettling connections between recently ousted UF President Ben Sasse and New College President Richard Corcoran. 

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 10th, 2024

New College of Florida has mastered the art of self-promotion. Don't buy the hype.

Felice Schulaner, a New College of Florida alumna who served as chair of both the New College Board of Trustees and the New College Foundation, argues that “any current achievements occurring at New College should be attributed to…[the faculty’s] hard work and care for the students – and to the students who have shown the necessary dedication to their intellectual, emotional and physical health,” not to the current administration.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – September 5th, 2024

New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran held a town hall. It did not go well.

“Corcoran's poor decision-making – and his ongoing refusal to practice transparency by explaining his decisions – will only increase the level of distrust among the alumni. It will also only increase the damage that is being done to New College of Florida.”

Tampa Bay Times – August 23rd, 2024

Why did New College really throw away all those books?

A conflicting series of stories mark a dark moment for Florida’s embattled school.

MSNBC – August 20th, 2024

Why this Florida school literally threw LGBTQ-friendly books into a dumpster

“The public university, now run by right-wing culture warriors, is continuing a tradition of taking away books for the supposed good of the people.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 20th, 2024

New College of Florida's leaders want to tick off our community. They're doing a good job.

Carrie Seidman writes about the “slash-and-burn approach” of the new administration at New College, culminating in the disposal of hundreds of books from the Jane Bancroft Library and now-defunct Gender and Diversity Center.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 17th, 2024

New College of Florida book purge: A horror story of secrecy, ineptitude and stupidity

NCF Freedom President Jono Miller writes on the disaster that was the New College book purge.

Sarasota Herald Tribune Letters – June 14th, 2024

DeSantis' destruction of New College is hard to watch, accept

Tamara Solum, parent of NCF 2020 alumnus, writes: “Between the conduct violation letters to recent graduates and the clear-cutting of the Bayfront, it is quite obvious that Corcoran is following the governor’s orders to literally bulldoze everything good that New College once stood for.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune Letters – June 11th, 2024

'No accountability': Governor shows ignorance of New College's unique academic culture

A graduate of NCF class of 1977 defends New College against Desantis’s statement that the school “was so much about ideology. You know, no accountability, no grades, none of this other stuff.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – June 1st, 2024

New College's leaders are arrogant and incompetent. Punishing students won't change that.

William Rosenberg, president of the Novo Collegian Alliance, decries NCF President Corcoran’s threats to withhold degrees from students who booed the commencement speaker, Joe Ricketts. He writes: “This cruel and unusual threat seems to be Corcoran’s response to being embarrassed when a prominent New College donor gave a commencement speech that wasn’t well received by students – or even capable of being heard by the audience due to the college’s own massive audio problems at the event.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – May 31st, 2024

New College's ceremony was a joyful event. But then juvenile 'rebels' took away the joy.

Robert Allen Jr. responds to the New College of Florida faculty’s May 29 guest column regarding the college’s graduation.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – May 30th, 2024

FAA was right to reject proposed SRQ-New College land deal

John Schussle, the former director of properties at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, responds to the May 27 guest column written by Rick Piccolo, the CEO of Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – May 29th, 2024

New College of Florida's students are being treated like political pawns. Again.

NCF faculty members who attended the official 2024 commencement on May 17 set the record straight about the alleged disruption of the evening’s ceremony during a speech by Joe Ricketts.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – April, 24th, 2024

New College gave Richard Corcoran a $200,000 bonus. Here's how he can prove he deserves it.

“Now more than ever, Corcoran would be wise to embrace a paraphrase of the immortal words uttered by Dean Vernon Wormer...: “Arrogant, haughty and high-handed is no image for a college president to project, son.”

Florida Politics – April 12th, 2024

Rodrigo Diaz: An open letter to the New College Foundation Board of Directors

“It seems the Presidential Evaluation Standing Committee failed to take account of relevant and significant information in reaching its recommendation,” writes Rodrigo Diaz in a letter to the NCF Foundation Board of Directors.

Chronicle of Higher Ed – March 13th, 2024

Milton’s Last Stand, in Florida

Richard Utz sees curricular nostalgia at work in Stanley Fish’s choice to teach Milton at the New College of Florida.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – March 8th, 2024

New College must end secrecy over President Richard Corcoran's incentive pay

“The issue of Corcoran's incentive compensation should be an opportunity to hold the equivalent of a campus-wide referendum on the first year of his leadership at New College. How the board handles this opportunity will say much about how it actually views its fiduciary duty to the honors college of Florida’s State University System.”

Your Observer – March 7th, 2024

New College plan makes no sense for taxpayers

New College of Florida President Richard Corcoran and the DeSantis board appointees have an ambitious plan. But when you analyze the economics, you can’t justify the $400M-plus cost to taxpayers.

Sarasota Herald Tribune Letters – February 21st, 2024

One year later, New College's rebranding has produced tears, hostility and disruption

“I’m a 1972 graduate of New College fighting against the untruths and cruelty of the new administration. I’ve talked with parents and students in tears at the treatment they’ve received from the new administration.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune Letters – February 20th, 2024

New College's secretive leaders must stop hiding - and start giving us real answers

New College Alum Brian Cody lists a number of important issues that the New College administration have yet to address.

Sarasota Herald Tribune Letters – February 17th, 2024

Homophobic jokes, extremist leaders: What's happening at New College is no laughing matter

The author argues that “the idea is to troll the New College community in order to claim that we are the ones who are intolerant and close-minded.”

Chronicle of Higher Education – February 15th, 2024

Resist Outside Efforts to Pit Disciplines Against Each Other

Former New College Professor Miriam Wallace “sound[s] the alarm about the way this effort to replace sociological study with a particular version of “history” seeks to pit academic fields against each other and mischaracterizes history along the way.”

New York Times Letters – February 8th, 2024

Don’t Cut Sociology

Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Hamilton College, Dan Chambliss, writes: “Sociology often focuses attention on issues of inequality, race and gender — topics that Florida’s government would apparently prefer go unmentioned. Many college students, however, welcome the chance to discuss and learn about such issues of vital public and often personal relevance.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – January 29th, 2024

New College's 'Great Books' online program is more empty hype from political hucksters

Author Philippe Koenig details the nefarious origin story of the new online degree program offered at New College starting in the Spring, funded by GOP mega-donor Joe Ricketts.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – January 28th, 2024

Like Russia, Florida represses sociology

Sarah Hernandez, Professor of Sociology at New College and a plaintiff in our complaint against the state, writes about the similarities in repressing the study of Sociology in both Russia and the state of Florida.

Philadelphia Inquirer – January 23rd, 2024

The folks DeSantis crushed on his road to nowhere 

​​Don’t measure DeSantis’ failure by the dollars he wasted, but by the many dreams he squashed.

Sarasota Herald Tribune — January 4th, 2024

Drama at Harvard shows New College was only the start of DeSantis' master plan

The president of Harvard University has resigned and a New College trustee is receiving credit for forcing her hand.

Sarasota Herald Tribune — January 3rd, 2024

One year later, New College's hostile takeover remains appalling

Author Herb Guggenheim reflects upon Gov. Ron DeSantis’s hostile takeover of New College of Florida, which began in January 2023.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – December 29th, 2023

How could New College get a positive review on diversity?

It’s remarkable that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges gave a clean bill of health to New College’s compliance with SACSCOC’s accreditation standards.

Tampa Bay Times – December 16th, 2023

Here’s why we fear a dystopian future for Florida’s universities 

It’s time for all of us to say, “Enough.” No more Newspeak. No more lies. No more censorship. No more indoctrination.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 25th, 2023

Opinion: If this is what a New College trustee thinks of women then he needs to go

Mike Anderson holds no punches in his Opinion piece on New College Trustee Mark Bauerlein. 

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 5th, 2023

Richard Corcoran may be the president of New College, but Grace Keenan is its conscience

From the first moment of the school's contentious transformation – which began several months ago when DeSantis appointed six conservatives to form a clear majority on the New College trustees board – through Corcoran’s largely predetermined ascension to the presidency this week, Keenan has been a consistently inspirational figure.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – October 3rd, 2023

Opinion: DeSantis' fight with media over New College is another black eye

For decades, New College emitted sort of a hippie vibe from the 1960s, one that was anything but confrontational. These days, the school is back from the war angry, and therein lies the problem.

The New York Times – August 14th, 2023

At a College Targeted by DeSantis, Gender Studies Is Out, Jocks Are In

In two weeks, the new school year will begin at Florida’s New College, the progressive public liberal arts school singled out by Gov. Ron DeSantis for cultural transformation. Returning students will find an institution that is increasingly unrecognizable.

Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 10th, 2023

New College spitting incident deserves a 'sorry' - not a sentence

The author argues that “the controversy involving Catherine “Libby” Harrity, the New College of Florida student charged with allegedly spitting at school Trustee Christopher Rufo, has always felt like one better resolved through public contrition than punitive action.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune –August 9th, 2023

I'm a critic of New College's needless overhaul - and I won't 'shut up and move on'

The author writes that “Former New College of Florida Board Trustee Robert Allen Jr. has outdone himself in his two recent guest columns, both in demonstrating a lack of civility in discourse and in being a provocateur.”

Sarasota Herald Tribune – August 6th, 2023

We should not be 'totally good' with New College's loss of top faculty members

Former New College President, Donal O’Shea, explains why the loss of faculty members at New College is a tragedy, harming not only the school, but the entire system of higher education in Florida, and the state itself. 

Sarasota Herald Tribune – July 23rd, 2023

What happens to New College in a post-DeSantis Florida?

Sharon Landesman Ramey, a New College alum and former Foundation Board member, wonders what will come of New College when Desantis leaves his governorship, Corcoran realizes he is in over his head, and private investors descend on the New College property.

Daily Kos – July 19th, 2023

DeSantis wants New College of Florida to be a conservative academic paradise - professors flee

The author outlines the state of affairs at New College and in Florida higher education generally, pointing to the ‘brain drain’ at New College, and the millions of dollars that Desantis is now throwing at the school to enact his troubling vision. 

Chronicle of Higher Education – July 19th, 2023

I Was President of Florida’s New College. Then I Was Fired. 

Former New College President Patricia Okker writes about how to fight for academic freedom and prevent political meddling in higher education. 

Sarasota Herald Tribune – July 16th, 2023

New College's 'Freedom Institute' must walk its lofty talk

James Unnever, a noted criminologist and educator of more than 40 years, dares Corcoran to hire him as a speaker at the New College Freedom Institute, demonstrating his commitment to ‘the free market of ideas,’ rather than ‘indoctrinating students by canceling opposing views.’

Tampa Bay Times – July 15th, 2023

Here’s why we old graduates of New College don’t trust what’s going on

Steve Jacobsen and Herb Guggenheim write in response to two columns by Robert Allen Jr., which appeared in the June 22 and July 8 editions of the Tampa Bay Times.

Tampa Bay Times – July 13th, 2023

Why I gave up on New College and Florida and enrolled at Hampshire College

Tampa Bay Times – July 8th, 2023

New College faculty’s ‘censure’ of trustees isn’t even a thing

Robert Allen Jr. takes issue with the NCF faculty’s censure of the Board of Trustees, arguing that the faculty had no standing to censure, and should have issued a “resolution expressing their concerns” instead. 

Steve Jacobson and Herb Guggenheim -  Alumni 

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 29th, 2023

New College's overhaul is being driven by greed, arrogance and ignorance

Response to Bob Allen’s recent columns: The bottom line is this: New College is accepting students who some might consider less well-qualified – but in many cases it is turning out graduates of higher quality than those at the most selective institutions. Isn't that a better measure of a college's quality than the grade point averages and test scores of high school students? As for Allen’s criticism that New College has never done well financially, we would note that for years the school was starved of funds by Florida's Republican governors and lawmakers. 

Tressie McMillan Cottom  - Contributor

NYT Opinion - June 27th, 2023

What It Is Like to Teach in the Cross Hairs of Ron DeSantis

What some people I spoke to cannot get over is that they are living and working at ground zero of what feels like a culture of repression from the McCarthy era while the public still thinks the culture war in higher education is about civility and ChatGPT.

Rob McCoy - Opinion Contributor

Daily Beast - June 15, 2023

Speaking Your Mind in Ron DeSantis’ Free State of Florida Could Get You Fired

This May, New College chose not to renew Wallenberg’s contract. The only discernible explanation is the history professor’s public opposition to the school’s new leadership…The problem this poses for faculty speech is plain: Those employed on a contingent basis, from adjunct instructors to assistant visiting professors, are easily disposable and thus face great risk of retaliation for their speech.

Bob Allen - Alumnus, Presidential Search Committee Member

Tampa Bay Times - June 22, 2023

Here’s how Ron DeSantis saved New College of Florida from mediocrity 

Bob Allen writes that critics of changes at New College don’t understand the pro’s of Hillsdale College, and criticizes the school’s drop in rankings since becoming a public institution. The Sarasota Herald Tribune has reported on his involvement in DeSantis’s takeover of the New College Board.

Bob also wrote along the same lines for the Sarasota Herald Tribune on June 22nd: New College is changing for the better. It's time for the critics to shut up and move on… So to the critics – and particularly to the New College alumni and faculty members who assail the changes at the school as an attack on excellence – I say this: Shut up, already. You’ve done enough harm.

Liz Leininger - Faculty

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 20, 2023

NCF board responds badly to faculty censure

Following the memo calling the faculty censure “unfounded”, Leininger writes: Instead of seeking dialogue to discuss our concerns, the reply was unnecessarily combative, ignorant of well-documented and reported facts and full of willful misinterpretations of our concerns… My colleagues and I care about our students’ educational futures. The learning environment is threatened when trustees insult our students and colleagues, failing to balance their free speech with established principles of civil discourse. Our students’ learning environment will improve when the trustees act as true stewards.

Robin Williams - president of the Democratic Public Education Caucus of Manasota.

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 18, 2023

New College leaders botched new mascot process

Student Board Trustee Grace Keenan, who said changing the official mascot “Null Set” deserved more input from New College students, and that a final decision should be delayed until the fall. To anyone with even a cursory knowledge of racial stereotypes, the new mascot should have set off alarms. It turns out the original student version of the mascot was very different in appearance and was unlikely to have raised any concerns. Yet Interim President Richard Corcoran and the New College Board of Trustees, which includes culture warrior Christopher Rufo among its members, supported and chose an altered mascot that depicts a tree that has been anthropomorphized to closely resemble an angry, threatening brown individual.

Chris Anderson - Columnist

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 16, 2023

Sports at New College won't bring new students

There is a large misconception that colleges with sports programs contain a special building just for printing money, but unless you are an NCAA Division I school with a football program like Florida, Notre Dame or Alabama, it doesn't work that way… This area's support of high school sports has noticeably dwindled over the years, and, yes, that includes football. And what about the State College of Florida basketball program? A few weeks ago, it was quietly announced on Twitter the program was shutting down.

Esther Barazzone - Alumna

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 15, 2023

Academic freedom must be protected at New College of Florida

Another response to Bob Allen’s June 1st column in the Tribune: Of course, public institutions “belong” to the citizens of a state. The real issue, however, centers on whether these institutions have the proper governance structures and processes in place to best serve the interests of a state's citizens… I served nearly 25 years as the president of a private university. I served twice as a member of the New College Foundation board. I currently serve on the boards of two universities, one public and one private. And during all of these years of service, I have still yet to see what Allen has purportedly seen: faculties that “rule the roost.”...it was wrong for him to suggest that the tenure process allows a faculty to push around a college's board of trustees.

Felice Schulaner - Alumna and Former BOT Chair

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 6, 2023

New College Board of Trustees allowed politics to trump academic integrity

The Former Board Chair disputes the points made by Bob Allen in his op ed “New College trustees board deserves praise for refusing to be a rubber stamp for faculty,” including the BOT’s Sunshine Law violations, denying faculty tenure, and his claims that faculty are responsible for the school’s failures: “But the fact is the issues New College faced in previous years were more attributable to underfunding than faculty overreach. Indeed, for years the DeSantis administration consistently vetoed budget requests by New College – yet the school continued to produce record numbers of graduates who went on to earn prestigious fellowships and spots at top graduate schools.”

Bob Allen - Alumnus and member of Presidential Search Committee

Sarasota Herald Tribune - June 1, 2023

New College trustees board deserves praise for refusing to be a rubber stamp for faculty

Liberals have long dominated most public university and college boards in Florida, so they see nothing invidious when they naturally agree with each other. But when conservatives naturally agree with each other while making policies, liberals will suddenly and predictably proclaim that such decisions must have been reached solely through “collusion” – and must have been driven solely by "the lack of a moral compass."

Read the retort by local resident Michael Phelan: Wrong to give platform to participant in New College takeover: Why on Earth would the Herald-Tribune publish an op-ed piece by Robert Allen Jr. regarding the hostile makeover of New College?

Rev. Dennis Kezar - Alumnus

Sarasota Herald Tribune - May 31, 2023

It’s not too late for DeSantis to do what’s right for New College

If DeSantis is ambitious enough to lead an even more diverse people than in this state, it would be a remarkable sign of leadership for him to display a spirit more gracious than tolerance. What might be possible if we cherish our differences and seek to learn from minorities who disagree with us – as we were taught at New College?

Amy Reid - NCF Professor of Gender Studies

Ms. Magazine - May 30, 2023

The Florida Moms are Alright

What’s now unfolding at the New College of Florida in Sarasota is one of those intensely local David and Goliath stories with real consequences for the state and the country. The backdrop is the political push from the radical right to reshape public education—academic freedom, LGBTQ+ rights and free speech, be damned. But what deserves the real spotlight here, is the efforts of a scrappy group of parents—mostly moms—to protect their kids. 

Liz Leininger - Faculty

Sarasota Herald Tribune - May 24, 2023

Censure of New College trustees board is a call for better leadership

[The Faculty's] statement stands as a historical record of the following: At this moment in Florida's history, we do not recognize those acting in bad faith as legitimate trustees…. This is not the recipe for a healthy university – or a healthy democracy. But if we cannot feel free to speak up now, we will bend to the authoritarian forces that are trying to hijack public education. We ask the members of the New College of Florida Board of Trustees to act as true stewards of our institution. If they do not, we will know that their goal is not to steward New College and, by extension, public education. We will know that their goal is wreak destruction – starting at New College and ending at a campus near you.  

Michelle Goldberg - Columnist

New York Times - May 22,2023

Ron DeSantis’s Takeover of a Progressive College

Listen: Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida is expected to enter the race for the Republican presidential nomination this week. DeSantis’s vision for New College speaks volumes about his vision for America.

Carol Braginsky Davis - Alumna

David Z. Young - Alumnus

New York Times - May 9, 2023

The Laments of Alumni of New College of Florida

“ I am heartbroken (not too strong a word) that New College of Florida will soon no longer be the one-of-a-kind and inspired educational experience that I and so many other students were privileged to have.”

“New College challenges students to work at defining what kind of life they want to lead and become critical thinkers — open to ideas in the humanities, arts and sciences. It is a college of inclusion and equity for students and faculty whose lifestyle, religious beliefs and politics are diverse, reflecting those of the nation.”

Kevin Unrath - Alumnus, Professional Librarian

Sarasota Herald Tribune - May 5, 2023

Firing of librarian is yet another irrational act by New College Board of Trustees

It wasn’t a surprise to hear of this decision by the New College trustees, a group that claims to want a return to a “classical education” – yet apparently without the leadership of a professional librarian to assist with acquiring and organizing the resources that such an education requires… No one who wants to being treated in a fair and respectful manner will be interested in working at New College of Florida.

Sharon Landesman Ramey - Alumna

Sarasota Herald Tribune - May 2, 2023

Set politics aside, advocate for NCF

Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies attacked New College with a tsunami of lies, hypocrisy, self-aggrandizement and bullying. They committed state funds to programs and new hires while defying state regulations. They denied tenure to deserving faculty and blatantly seek to cancel academic freedom….Florida now votes strongly Republican. Does this mean most Floridians want to destroy our higher education system?... Please, set aside extreme politics and effectively advocate for New College.

Herb Guggenheim - Alumnus

Sarasota Herald Tribune - May 2, 2023

Board is altering New College by decree

The changes imposed on New College stem from a flimsy right-wing theory: These conservatives believe they can fashion a college that will produce conservative students who will unquestioningly adhere to their orthodoxies… The end result will be a mediocre school with little to distinguish it from other mediocre schools.

Michelle Goldberg - Columnist

New York Times - April 29, 2023

This Is What the Right-Wing Takeover of a Progressive College Looks Like

“They are turning a top-rated academic institution into a third-rate athletic facility,” [parent Eliana Salzhauer] said….For many, the board of trustees meeting was the clearest sign yet that this is the last semester of New College as they know it. The pivot point was the trustees’ decision to override the typical tenure process. 

Brian Cody - Alumnus, Former Trustee

Sarasota Herald Tribune - April 25, 2023

Search committee chosen to stack votes

It has been the norm for student government representatives to serve on Florida college presidential search committees…. Debra Jenks, the chair of the New College trustees board, did appoint a student to the search committee but that individual is not involved in student government. He is an intern for Sarasota Republican state Sen. Joe Gruters.

Nicolas Delon - Faculty

The Point - April 5, 2023

The Test Case

We have seven or eight tenure-track candidates coming up for tenure this year. Everyone has a positive recommendation for tenure. The next step is supposed to be the Board of Trustees, which in April will approve or deny tenure. Traditionally, the Board of Trustees just rubber-stamps the tenure based on the recommendations that are made. Now, recently, President Corcoran has met with the president of our union to recommend that the candidates withdraw their files before it’s too late. My interpretation is that Corcoran suspects there’s probably a non-negligible proportion of the trustees who want to make an example out of those people and deny them tenure.

Brian Rosenberg - Chronicle of Higher Ed

Chronicle of Higher Ed - April 6, 2023

The Deafening Silence of Florida’s College Presidents

The only president of a public institution in the state who has attempted in any form to defend the work at her institution is Patricia Okker, formerly the leader of New College… Is it preferable to get less money for a college that remains faithful to its mission or more money for one that abandons it? Do you prefer the previous version of New College — cash-strapped but serving students well — or the emerging version, likely to be infused with more public funding in its race to become what the Florida education commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. called the “Hillsdale of the South,” that is, a largely white and openly Christian institution with direct ties to Republican politics?

Sophia Brown - Student, Editor-in-Chief The Catalyst

CNN - March 28, 2023

I chose New College because I didn’t have to leave my identity at the campus door

In fact, the diversity efforts proudly practiced at New College were inherent to a quality education. A student’s academics are enriched when they are able to encounter a variety of people and viewpoints. Broadening our horizons is the point of pursuing higher education. Anyone who reframes these concepts as deceitful or who wields them as a weapon in a culture war that the New College community did not ask to participate in, will never serve the best interests of students. 

Rabbi Michael Rothbaum, Alumnus

The Nation - March 10, 2023

Ron DeSantis Is Destroying Florida’s New College Just Because He Can

I hold out hope for a New College miracle. But, as of now, none of what I learned at New College is a match for the ugliness taking hold in too many American hearts and halls of power.

Debarati Biswas and Erik Wallenberg - Faculty

Teen Vogue - March 6,2023

New College of Florida: The Conservative Christian Takeover by Ron DeSantis, Chris Rufo

In this op-ed, two New College professors blame the DeSantis administration for trying to force a conservative Christian model of education. “We are here to defend the freedom of students to learn in their chosen environment, with programs and classes that align with the school in which they enrolled. We are here to defend the freedom of faculty members to teach what we have spent lifetimes studying and were hired to help students understand. And we are here to defend the freedom of staffers to organize in support of the diversity, equity, and inclusion that stand as a central community agreement — one that we desperately need in this state and country.”

Dr. Glenn Whitehouse - Alumnus, Associate Dean Florida Gulf Coast University

News Press.com - March 5, 2023

New College was made the enemy in governor's culture war

Students are pawns in a game whose only winners are politicians. The trustees’ promise to remake the school into a real liberal arts college rings false, because the truth is New College has never stopped being a liberal arts college. How do I know? I went to New College years ago as did my wife, and our son graduated just last year.

Aaron Hillegass, Director NCF Applied Data Science Master’s Program, Alumnus

Tampa Bay Times - March 4, 2023

In Florida and at New College, what we lose when we ignore stewardship and competence

The erosion of competence starts at the top, but seldom stops until few people in an organization are worthy of the seat they sit in.

Teri Hansen, CEO Barancik Foundation

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Feb 19, 2023  

Amid the uncertainty, one thing is certain: New College will continue to achieve

We are confident that the new trustees will come to see the special nature of this institution.

And we are hopeful that recent changes will not impede New College’s place as an anchor institution in our community – or keep its amazing students and faculty from continuing the school’s remarkable trajectory, creating leaders and visionaries who change the world around them. 

Stephen Miles, former NCF Provost

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Feb 14, 2023

Florida's universities have faced interference before

It's worth remembering that DeSantis is not the first Florida politician to try to impose his will on our system of higher education.

Barrett J Taylor 

Inside Higher Ed - Feb 13, 2023 

Is Florida ‘Wrecked’?

In moving to undermine higher education’s institutional independence, Florida is following a playbook we’ve seen before—but with unparalleled intensity.

Esther Barazzone, Alumna 

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Feb 12, 2023

New College's past is being distorted to fit today's political agendas

As I watched the first meeting of the newly installed New College Board of Trustees on Jan. 31, I was angered and disgusted, to say the least, by the process and its outcomes…. And, shamefully, much of what took place was cynically justified by distorting the founding principles and history of New College of Florida itself.  

Carol Flint, Alumna

LA Times - Feb 7, 2023

Ron DeSantis is wrecking a college to score political points. How shameful

As a graduate of New College of Florida, I witnessed the recent board meeting in which Gov. Ron DeSantis’ newly appointed trustees ignored community pleas to get to know the school before taking a wrecking ball to it.

Andrew Gothard 

Inside Higher Ed - Feb 7, 2023

What Happens in Florida…

Governor DeSantis is leading an assault on the state’s public higher education institutions.

…It is clear that Florida’s colleges and universities are not broken. They will be, however, if the governor’s long-term agenda to dismantle higher education is allowed to succeed.

Carrie Seidman, Columnist 

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Feb 3, 2023

Inside the New College boardroom - an ungodly display of power and arrogance

…a dispassionate display of political overreach that might have been shocking were it not so similar to what took place last fall when new Sarasota County Public Schools board members, also endorsed by DeSantis, terminated the district superintendent at their first meeting.... Apparently, this is what public education is going to look like under a governor who, by virtue of his election victory margin, feels entitled to pursue – to borrow from new Board Trustee Christopher Rufo’s military vernacular – whatever shock and awe campaign will help pave his path to the White House. 

Chris Anderson - Columnist

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Feb 2

Opinion: If New College turns to sports the school will be thrown for a loss

If Speir wants to know why this business model so often fails, all he has to do is look to his own board of directors. (Inspiration Academy)

Esther Barazzone, Alumna

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Jan 31, 2023

Make New College an even better school - not a totally different one

I know what dealing with a challenged institution means. And I know that dealing with a challenged institution does not mean what it appears to mean at New College at this moment.

Tamara Solum & Kari Solum (Parent & Alumna)

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Jan 30, 2023

New College gives every student a chance to thrive. Isn't that worth saving?

As a student with a disability, my daughter was able to thrive at New College because of its inclusivity and support. Her talents were recognized and supported with a personalized approach.

Gordon E. Michalson, Former President of New College of Florida

Tampa Bay Times - January 28th, 2023

I was president of New College, and here’s what I think 

Through its graduates, and often against great odds, New College has established an enviable record of national recognition, achievement, and success, which includes producing a host of elected officials who — tellingly, perhaps — span the entire political spectrum. In short, a quality liberal arts and sciences education is simply not a partisan matter.

Michelle Roberts, Parent

Tallahassee Democrat - January 23rd, 2023

My daughter found her perfect campus at New College of Florida and now DeSantis wants to destroy it

As a parent finally watching their child thrive in New College’s unique supportive academic environment, I cannot stand by silently and watch her future collapse unfold as collateral damage in DeSantis’ race to the White House. If DeSantis “succeeds” here, then we have failed our children and your child’s campus may be next.

Carrie Seidman, Columnist 

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Jan 20, 2023

New College ‘makeover’ would stifle a population contributing to our future

I come from Michigan, and I know Hillsdale. It is, in every way, the antithesis of New College.

Eric D Nowak, Alumnus 

Tampa Bay Times - January 19th, 2023

I graduated from New College of Florida, and I have some thoughts

We were not told what to think, only to think for ourselves. The beauty of it is that you get real creativity out of it, real original thought.

Charlene Lenger & Felipe Colon, former Trustees 

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Jan 13, 2023

A new New College? A message from two former trustees

It is our hope that the conversation about the future of New College will be one focused on collaboration rather than conflict, and progress rather than politics.

Chris Anderson, Herald Tribune Columnist

Sarasota Herald Tribune - Jan 13, 2023

Opinion: New College founding father would be appalled by the actions of Ron DeSantis

Quotes Keith Berggren, son of NCF founder and professor Douglas Berggren.

Michelle Goldberg 

NY Times - January 9th, 2023

DeSantis Allies Plot the Hostile Takeover of a Liberal College

The fight over the future of New College is about more than just the fate of this small school in Sarasota. For DeSantis, it’s part of a broader quest to crush any hint of progressivism in public education, a quest he’d likely take national if he ever became president. For Rufo, a reconstructed New College would serve as a model for conservatives to copy all over the country. 

Lincoln Diaz Balart - 2020

Watch: Former Republican Congressman and NCF Alumnus speak about academic freedom at New College

State Senator Joe Gruters

Sarasota Herald Tribune - February 2nd, 2020

New College is a premier institution. Let’s not break it.

Republican State Senator and former Florida Republican Party Chair Joe Gruters expounds on the value of New College during the threat of merger with FSU in 2020.

New College of Florida Board of Trustees information including upcoming meetings and agendas, and past meeting minutes and agendas, can be found here: https://www.ncf.edu/about/leadership/board-of-trustees/

New College Foundation Board of Directors information:

https://www.ncf.edu/alumni/foundation/board-of-directors/

Publicly Noticed NCF Meetings appear here: 

https://www.ncf.edu/public-notices/

Meeting Recordings:

July 6th, Board of Trustees

Watch Here

July 5th, Presidential Search Committee

Watch Here

June 1st, Board of Trustees

Watch Here

May 17th, Presidential Search Committee

Watch Here

April 27th, Presidential Search Committee

Watch Here

April 26th, Board of Trustees

Updates to regulations approved. Presentations of alternative admissions options, 2023 accountability plan, and changing institutional accreditors. 5 qualified faculty are denied tenure by majority of BOT members without cause. Trustee professor Matthew Lepinski resigns.  Watch Here

Agenda and Materials

February 28th, Board of Trustees

Interim President Corcoran’s first board meeting. BOT voted to have Corcoran eliminate Office of Outreach and Inclusive Excellence, and create a school policy that prohibits spending money on any DEI efforts. Watch Here

February 21st, Special BOT Meeting

Approved updated contract for Richard Corcoran. Watch Here

February 13th, Special BOT Meeting

New College of Florida Board of Trustees reviewed and approved Richard Corcoran’s contract and appointment as the interim president of the College. Upon Board of Governors approval (Feb 22) Corcoran would assume role on Feb 27. Watch Here

January 31st, Board of Trustees

Trustees put forth changes to abolish DEI; Termination of President Patricia Okker’s contract; Resignation of chair by Mary Ruiz; Positing of Richard Corcoran as Interim President. Watch Here