A new documentary, *First They Came For My College*, delves into the tumultuous events at New College of Florida, a small liberal arts institution that has become a focal point in the ongoing struggle for academic freedom amid rising political pressures. The film captures the dramatic transformations imposed by Governor Ron DeSantis and his appointed trustees, highlighting the impact of these changes on students and the broader educational landscape.
The Rise and Fall of Independent Thought
Established as a bastion of progressive education, New College attracted a diverse student body and encouraged free expression. However, in 2023, the institution fell under the scrutiny of DeSantis, who aimed to reshape it into a conservative stronghold akin to Hillsdale College in Michigan. The governor’s actions included overhauling the board of trustees, which resulted in a significant shift in the college’s ethos and academic offerings.
Under the new regime, the library was stripped of books by Black and Indigenous authors, with entire departments, such as gender studies, being dismantled. The campus atmosphere shifted drastically, leading to concerns about the safety and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ students, who felt increasingly vulnerable to hostility.
Students Unite Against Authoritarianism
In the face of these sweeping changes, students rallied to defend their rights and the core values of their school. “The confusion was palpable,” recalls former student Gaby Batista, a prominent protest leader and former editor of the campus newspaper. “As a public university student, you don’t expect to have to learn the names of your board of trustees and see them directly influencing your education.”
The documentary, produced by Harry W. Hanbury and directed by Patrick Bresnan, provides an intimate look at the students’ experiences as they navigate this upheaval. Hanbury, a New College alum, expressed his deep emotional connection to the campus, stating, “Seeing it overtaken was painful, but it also galvanised me to document what was happening.”
Documenting Resistance and Resilience
*First They Came For My College* showcases not only the protests but also the vibrant community that students built in response to the crisis. The filmmakers encouraged student participation, equipping them with cameras to capture their perspectives and experiences. This approach not only democratized the filmmaking process but also ensured that the voices of those directly affected were front and centre.
The film features powerful footage of student protests, including moments where they confronted DeSantis and his administration. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, students expressed their anger and frustration through art and performance, staging drag shows and other events that celebrated their identities and resilience.
The Broader Implications for Higher Education
As the documentary delineates the struggles at New College, it also raises critical questions about the future of higher education in the United States. Students grapple with the purpose of universities—whether they serve as institutions for knowledge and personal growth or as businesses focused solely on profit. The film highlights the alarming trend of political interference in educational institutions, which threatens to undermine academic freedom nationwide.
In recent years, funding cuts and legislative measures have curtailed the teaching of critical subjects, leading to widespread closures of programs deemed “divisive.” With New College’s experience serving as a microcosm of this larger trend, the filmmakers hope viewers will reflect on the importance of protecting academic independence.
Why it Matters
*First They Came For My College* serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of academic freedom and the necessity of vigilance in safeguarding it. As political forces increasingly target educational institutions, the documentary underscores the need for solidarity among students, educators, and advocates for civil liberties. This film not only documents a pivotal moment in one college’s history but also calls on society to confront the broader implications of these attacks on education. The narrative of New College is a cautionary tale about what can happen when ideological agendas infiltrate academia, and it challenges all of us to reflect on the values we wish to uphold in our educational systems.
