A new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, sheds light on the turmoil surrounding Florida’s New College, where students and faculty have found themselves at the forefront of a battle for academic freedom. The film chronicles the drastic changes implemented by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2023, which aimed to reshape the liberal arts institution into a conservative stronghold, triggering a fierce student-led resistance.
The Transformation of New College
In less than a year, New College, once a haven for progressive thought and diversity, faced a radical overhaul. The institution, celebrated for its commitment to independent thought, became embroiled in a political struggle as DeSantis dismantled its board of trustees, replacing it with individuals aligned with his conservative vision. This included known figures like Richard Corcoran, a former speaker of the Florida House, and Christopher Rufo, whose campaigns against diversity initiatives have gained national attention.
The repercussions of these changes were immediate and severe. Students reported the removal of books by Black and Indigenous authors from library shelves, alongside the dismantling of the gender studies department. The campus atmosphere shifted dramatically, as the once-inviting environment transformed into one where many felt unsafe expressing their identities. Former New College student and protest leader Gaby Batista described the upheaval: “The confusion was palpable,” she noted, reflecting on the sudden involvement of trustees in student affairs.
A Fight for Academic Freedom
*First They Came for My College* chronicles the grassroots efforts of students striving to reclaim their institution from what they perceive as a political siege. The film captures the emotional turmoil and resilience of these students, who were compelled to confront an administration intent on erasing what they deemed “woke ideology.”
Director Patrick Bresnan and producer Harry W Hanbury, both New College alumni, embarked on this project to document the struggle for academic freedom. Their approach was to deeply engage with the students, building trust by prioritising their voices and experiences. “I hate having crews, I hate lighting and I hate expensive equipment,” Bresnan remarked, emphasising his commitment to authentic storytelling. This strategy allowed students to actively participate in the filmmaking process, using their own devices to capture pivotal moments of protest and reflection.
Students expressed their frustrations through various forms of resistance, from raucous protests against DeSantis’s policies to vibrant celebrations of their queer culture. The documentary features footage of students chanting slogans like “Only Nazis ban books” during a visit from the governor, a powerful testament to their defiance.
Broader Implications for Higher Education
The issues illustrated in *First They Came for My College* resonate beyond the confines of New College, reflecting a troubling trend in the wider landscape of American higher education. The film poses critical questions about the role of universities: Are they centres for intellectual growth or merely institutions for profit? This inquiry is increasingly relevant as educational policies shift under political pressure, raising alarms about the future of academic freedom in the United States.
As the Trump administration’s influence persists, funding cuts to universities that resist conservative agendas have become commonplace, leading to the closure of various diversity-focused departments. The situation at New College serves as a cautionary tale, positioning it as a “canary in the coalmine” for similar institutions across the country. Batista encapsulated this sentiment, describing the college’s situation as a political playground for those seeking to undermine progressive education.
Why it Matters
The release of *First They Came for My College* is not just an exploration of a single institution’s challenges; it serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing struggle for academic freedom in America. As political ideologies increasingly infiltrate educational spaces, the film underscores the importance of defending the integrity of higher education. It calls for vigilance and action, urging viewers to reflect on the implications of these changes for future generations. As Bresnan aptly stated, “This is fascism,” drawing parallels to historical moments of political oppression, signalling the need to remember this era to prevent its recurrence.