Revamping College Curriculum: Impact of Book Reductions on Faculty Departures
As Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues his conservative overhaul of public higher education in the state, New College of Florida remains a focal point of controversy. The Board of Trustees, stacked with conservative members appointed by DeSantis, has been making significant changes to the institution’s curriculum and faculty structure.
Book Reductions and Faculty Departures
Recently, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported that New College was discarding books from its Gender and Diversity Center, which had been shut down. The decision to throw away gender studies books prompted a tweet from DeSantis’s press secretary, Jeremy Redfern, applauding the action. Chris Rufo, a board appointee known for his opposition to critical race theory and diversity programs, also expressed support for the disposal of the books.
The controversy over book disposal extended to the college’s main library, where a significant number of books were also discarded. The media coverage of the book disposal sparked outrage, leading to the placement of library dean Shannon Hausinger on administrative leave. According to College spokesperson Nathan March, Hausinger’s leave was due to a failure to follow state administrative requirements during the disposal process, although specific violations were not disclosed.
Impact on Faculty
The turmoil at New College has not only affected its book collections but also its faculty members. Amy Reid, a French professor and faculty chair, decided to take leave from the institution to work for a free-expression nonprofit in Washington, D.C. Reid’s departure is part of a larger trend that has seen several faculty members leaving New College, with some retiring or taking unpaid leaves.
The faculty exodus includes individuals who were denied tenure by the board, a rare occurrence in higher education. The denial of tenure to respected faculty members has raised concerns about academic freedom and the direction of the institution under the new conservative leadership. The American Association of University Professors has criticized the board’s actions, calling them a violation of established procedures.
Challenges and Controversies
The changes at New College have not been limited to book reductions and faculty departures. The decision to phase out the gender studies program, led by the board’s conservative majority, has sparked further controversy. Amy Reid, who played a crucial role in advocating for academic freedom and faculty rights, expressed disappointment over the dismantling of programs that she believes are essential for promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
In response to the challenges facing New College, Reid has taken on a new role at a free expression nonprofit, where she will work to support academic freedom and combat legislative overreach in higher education. Her decision to join the organization reflects a commitment to preserving the values of open inquiry and intellectual diversity in academic settings.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges and controversies facing New College, there is hope for a brighter future. The efforts of faculty members like Amy Reid and others who have taken a stand against the conservative overhaul demonstrate a commitment to upholding academic standards and promoting diversity in higher education. By supporting initiatives that prioritize academic freedom and intellectual diversity, institutions like New College can continue to thrive and fulfill their mission of providing a well-rounded education to students.
In Conclusion
The impact of book reductions and faculty departures at New College of Florida highlights the challenges facing higher education institutions in an era of political polarization and ideological conflict. As faculty members and administrators navigate these challenges, it is essential to uphold the principles of academic freedom, diversity, and inclusion to ensure a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment for all students. By working together to address these issues, colleges and universities can uphold their commitment to excellence and prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.