Ron DeSantis’ ambitious rebranding of Florida’s higher education has faced multiple setbacks. His conservative push against “woke” ideologies has led to significant controversies at Sarasota’s New College and the University of Florida.
Recent events reveal the challenges DeSantis faces in enforcing his vision without backlash from students, staff, and the wider community.
The Controversial Takeover of New College
New College in Sarasota, once known for its liberal arts education, underwent a radical transformation under DeSantis’ administration.
In January 2023, the governor appointed six far-right allies to the college’s board, aiming to reshape it into a conservative institution. This “hostile takeover” sparked an immediate backlash from the academic community and students alike.
The Book Dump Scandal
In a shocking move, New College was reported to have dumped thousands of library books in early August 2024. Many of these books were from the college’s Gender and Diversity Center, including titles related to gender studies and LGBTQ+ topics.
This action drew harsh criticism, with some comparing it to Nazi-era book burnings, suggesting a troubling turn in Florida’s education policies.
Denials and Damage Control
University President Richard Corcoran, a vocal supporter of DeSantis, attempted to downplay the incident, describing it as a “routine weeding out” of outdated materials.
However, his explanation was met with skepticism, especially when DeSantis appointee Christopher Rufo publicly praised the disposal as “throwing out the trash,” contradicting Corcoran’s claims.
Public Outcry and Political Reactions
The book dump sparked a wave of public outrage, both locally and nationally. Democratic politicians, like state congresswoman Yvonne Hayes Hinson, condemned the action as part of a larger war on books and ideas.
“This is just the latest chapter in this Republican regime’s war on books,” Hinson stated, highlighting the broader implications of DeSantis’ policies on academic freedom.
The Fallout at the University of Florida
Meanwhile, over at the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, another scandal was brewing. The Independent Florida Alligator, the university’s student newspaper, uncovered that former UF President Ben Sasse, appointed by DeSantis, had spent $17.3 million in his first year—three times more than his predecessor.
This spending spree included secret consulting contracts and high-paying jobs for former political allies.
The “Political Celibacy” That Wasn’t
Despite promising “political celibacy” upon his appointment, Ben Sasse’s actions suggested otherwise. He filled the university’s top positions with his former Senate staffers, raising their salaries significantly.
His tenure, which began in late 2022 and ended abruptly in July 2024, has been marked by financial controversy and internal conflict with other DeSantis appointees.
DeSantis’ Response to Financial Mismanagement
Reacting to the scandal, DeSantis’ administration announced an investigation into Sasse’s spending. “We take the stewardship of state funds very seriously,” stated Bryan Griffin, DeSantis’ communications director.
However, critics argue that the administration’s investigation lacks credibility, likening it to a case of “the wolf guarding the henhouse.”
The Political Battle for Florida’s Universities
The controversies at both New College and UF are part of a broader battle over the future of Florida’s public education system.
DeSantis’ efforts to root out “woke” ideologies have been met with resistance from students, faculty, and some political figures, raising questions about the sustainability of his policies and their impact on Florida’s academic reputation.
The Future of New College and UF Under Scrutiny
With both New College and UF embroiled in controversy, their futures remain uncertain.
Students and staff at New College are worried about the direction of the school under its new, conservative leadership, while UF’s community watches closely to see who will replace Sasse and how future spending will be handled.
Broader Implications for Florida’s Education System
These incidents reflect a growing tension in Florida’s education system between traditional academic values and the state government’s conservative agenda.
The actions taken by DeSantis and his appointees could have long-term consequences for Florida’s universities, potentially impacting student enrollment, faculty recruitment, and the state’s overall academic standing.
A Turning Point for DeSantis’ Education Agenda?
The recent scandals mark a critical juncture for Ron DeSantis’ higher education agenda. As criticism continues to mount, the governor faces increasing pressure to reassess his strategies or risk further damaging his reputation and that of Florida’s higher education institutions.
Whether he will adjust course or double down remains to be seen.