A new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, offers an in-depth look at the fierce struggle for academic independence at New College of Florida, a once-celebrated liberal arts institution that has recently become a focal point in the ongoing political war against “woke” ideologies. Produced by New College alumnus Harry W. Hanbury and directed by Patrick Bresnan, the film captures the turmoil following Governor Ron DeSantis’s aggressive overhaul of the college’s leadership and educational framework.
A Campus Transformed
In the span of just a year, New College has seen its identity drastically reshaped. Established over five decades ago as a sanctuary for free thought, the college was targeted by DeSantis in 2023, who aimed to dismantle its progressive ethos. Following the removal of the previous board president, Patricia Okker, the governor appointed a new board comprised of individuals known for their far-right views, including former Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran and Christopher Rufo, a prominent conservative activist.
The changes implemented by this new leadership have been alarming. Critical programs such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives were scrapped, and the library underwent a dramatic transformation, with numerous books by Black and Indigenous authors discarded. The once-vibrant campus environment deteriorated, prompting fears among students, particularly those from marginalised communities, who felt compelled to hide their identities to avoid potential backlash.
Students Take a Stand
As the situation escalated, students like Gaby Batista, a former editor of the campus newspaper *The Catalyst*, emerged as vocal advocates for their institution’s original values. “The confusion was palpable,” Batista remarked, highlighting the bewilderment felt by students as their university transformed before their eyes. The documentary showcases how students banded together to reclaim their narrative and resist the imposition of conservative ideologies.
In the film, the atmosphere at New College is depicted as one of urgency and defiance. Students engaged in various forms of protest, including vocal demonstrations against DeSantis’s policies. Footage captured by students themselves highlights the raw emotion and determination of the community as they chanted slogans like “Only Nazis ban books” during a visit from the governor.
Bresnan, who focused on building trust with the student body, opted for a more personal approach to filmmaking. Rather than relying on a large production crew, he chose to invest resources into fostering relationships with students, leading to a collaborative documentary process. This decision allowed students to take ownership of their stories and portray their experiences authentically.
A Broader Context
*First They Came for My College* is not just about New College; it serves as a microcosm of a larger national trend where academic freedom is increasingly under threat. The film examines the implications of the Trump administration’s policies that have systematically undermined higher education institutions across the United States. With funding cuts and pressure to eliminate “divisive concepts,” the educational landscape is shifting dramatically, raising critical questions about the future of academic inquiry and freedom.
In their discussions, both Bresnan and Hanbury express a sense of urgency to document this moment in history. “We were the canary in the coalmine,” Batista asserts, indicating that New College’s plight may foreshadow wider attacks on educational institutions. The documentary aims to remind viewers of the importance of preserving academic integrity and fostering environments where diverse perspectives can thrive.
Why it Matters
The release of *First They Came for My College* is significant not only as a cultural artefact but also as a powerful reminder of the fragility of academic freedom. In an era where educational institutions are increasingly politicised, the film serves as a clarion call for vigilance and resistance against those who seek to suppress diversity of thought. It underscores the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity, championing the right to free expression and the need for universities to remain bastions of enlightenment. As the battle for New College illustrates, the fight for academic freedom is far from over, and its outcomes could have lasting repercussions for education across the globe.
