— John Dewey
Defend Educational Freedom
Join the coalition to defend New College and educational freedom from a hostile political takeover.
New College ranks fifth in the nation among public liberal arts colleges. This attack isn’t about the quality of our education. DeSantis is attacking schools and universities across the state in an attempt to control our freedom of speech, our freedom to learn, and our freedom to thrive in our communities.
Sign the petition to reject DeSantis' hostile takeover of New College
Freedom to choose course topics and materials, engage with relevant theories, and contribute new knowledge are central to academic life. This freedom is under serious assault in Florida, where censorious legislation aims to eclipse the academy’s ability to provide open, well-lit spaces for learning about issues that threaten our collective future as a democracy and impede innovations.
Featuring Andrew Gothard, President of the United Faculty of Florida (UFF), and Jeremy Young from PEN America, and presented by the New College Chapter of UFF with additional support from the Save New College GoFundMe, this teach-in brought together scholars from across the Florida to take stock of our scholarly rights and responsibilities as we move forward in an increasingly uncertain era.
Follow Alex Wagner’s coverage:
"Woke? You mean practicing basic empathy? Valuing people who are part of your community?" - Kayla Kisseadoo was among the bright, motivated New College students Alex Wagner was able to speak with in Florida recently. pic.twitter.com/cKfIDQQufP
— Alex Wagner Tonight (@WagnerTonight) March 3, 2023
Dr. Okker’s closing remarks:
On January 31st, the New College of Florida Board of Trustees voted to terminate President Patricia Okker and appoint a new interim president, former Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran. Here are Dr. Okker’s closing remarks from the January 31st Board of Trustees meeting, including a heartfelt message to the current students to “know that you are truly loved here… not just for what you do, but for who you are”.
Join the action to make real change!
Dear New College alumni, students, faculty, Florida State residents, family, friends, and concerned citizens, it’s time to call your elected officials!
Right now we are focusing on Tallahassee's role in confirming the DeSantis nominated members of the Board of Trustees. These nominations must be confirmed by the Senate, and they have the opportunity to hold a hearing, ask hard questions, and ultimately elect to not confirm - but whether they avail themselves of this authority depends on us!
Sign the petition to reject DeSantis' hostile takeover of New College.
Call your Senator! Find your representatives here.