A gripping new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, sheds light on the ongoing struggle for academic freedom at New College of Florida, a once-prominent liberal arts institution now embroiled in political controversy. Following a series of aggressive changes initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, the college has become a symbol of the national debate over educational policies and the preservation of liberal values in higher education.
The Transformation of New College
Established as a bastion of independent thought, New College was drastically reshaped in less than a year. Under DeSantis’s directive, the college’s board was overhauled, replacing long-standing members with politically aligned trustees, many of whom advocate for conservative ideologies reminiscent of those at Michigan’s Hillsdale College. The new leadership has sought to eliminate what they term “woke ideology,” which led to the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, as well as the controversial removal of literature from Black and Indigenous authors.
Students witnessed the destruction of their beloved community garden, which had served as a hub of social and environmental consciousness, only to be replaced by plans for a baseball stadium. This transformation prompted a wave of protests from students determined to reclaim their university’s identity. Gaby Batista, a former student and protest leader, articulated the confusion and fear that gripped the campus community: “As a student at a public university, you don’t know your board of trustees. No one anticipates having to learn their names and have their business become so directly involved in your business.”
A Documentary of Resistance
The documentary, produced by New College alumnus Harry W. Hanbury and directed by Patrick Bresnan, documents how this small institution of around 700 students became a frontline in the broader conflict over academic freedom in the United States. The filmmakers aimed to capture not just the events, but the emotional and intellectual landscape of a campus under siege.
Hanbury recalled his emotional journey back to the campus: “To see it taken over by these people who are conquistadors – the junta, as I like to call them – was really painful, but also galvanising.” The film combines personal narratives with footage from protests, illustrating the palpable tension as students confronted DeSantis during his visits.
The filmmakers sought to dismantle traditional hierarchies of documentary storytelling by giving students the tools to document their own experiences. This approach fostered a sense of community and trust, allowing the students to express their resistance in various creative ways, from drag performances to impassioned protests.
The Broader Implications
*First They Came for My College* prompts critical questions about the purpose of universities in contemporary society. Students voiced concerns about whether institutions should serve as mere profit-driven entities or if they should foster intellectual growth and social awareness. The documentary serves as a lens through which viewers can examine the escalating pressures imposed on higher education by political actors.
The challenges faced by New College are not isolated. The Trump administration’s policies have led to significant cuts in funding for universities that resist conservative agendas, resulting in the closure of numerous gender studies departments and increased scrutiny on discussions surrounding race and diversity.
As Batista pointed out, “New College was their little political playground.” The institution’s experiences may foreshadow broader trends affecting academic freedom across the nation.
Why it Matters
The release of *First They Came for My College* serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of academic freedom in an era marked by political intervention. It highlights the urgent need for vigilance and advocacy in educational spaces, as the battle for the soul of higher education intensifies. As students and educators confront these challenges, the documentary stands as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry for those committed to preserving the ideals of liberal education. The story of New College may well be a reflection of a larger struggle facing institutions worldwide as they navigate the complex interplay between politics and education.
