A new documentary titled *First They Came for My College* sheds light on the ongoing struggle for academic freedom at New College of Florida, which has been thrust into the spotlight following significant changes imposed by the state’s governor, Ron DeSantis. Once a bastion of liberal arts education, the college has seen its ethos challenged and transformed within a year, igniting fervent protests and a grassroots movement for resistance among students.
A Shift in Leadership and Ideology
In 2023, New College, a small institution with just 700 students, became a focal point in DeSantis’s campaign against what he labels “woke” ideology in education. The governor’s administration moved swiftly to dismantle the existing board of trustees, replacing them with individuals aligned with conservative values, reminiscent of the curriculum at Hillsdale College in Michigan.
This takeover has not only altered the governance of New College but has also led to the eradication of programmes focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Books authored by Black and Indigenous writers were discarded, and the gender studies department was effectively shut down, drawing protests from an outraged student body. The transformation of the campus into a more traditional, conservative environment was marked by the arrival of new students who, according to reports, created a more hostile atmosphere for those who identified as LGBTQ+.
Students Respond to an Eroding Culture
The documentary captures the emotional turmoil experienced by students as they grappled with the drastic changes. “The confusion was palpable,” recalls Gaby Batista, a former editor of the campus newspaper and a leader in the protests. “As a student at a public university, you don’t expect to become so involved in board politics.”
The film portrays the students not merely as victims but as active participants in their own narrative. The director, Patrick Bresnan, and producer, Harry W Hanbury, opted for a hands-on approach, engaging students in the filmmaking process. They provided them with camera phones to document protests and personal reflections, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
A Fight for Identity and Expression
As the campus atmosphere shifted dramatically, students sought to reclaim their identities and traditions. The documentary highlights vibrant events such as a drag performance of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, demonstrating resilience and joy amidst adversity. “We have to bring back the queer traditions,” one student asserted, capturing the spirit of defiance that permeated the school.
However, the effects of DeSantis’s policies were tangible. The former president’s aim to eliminate DEI programmes was underscored by a bill he signed during a contentious visit to the campus, where students voiced their dissent with chants of “Only Nazis ban books.” This moment encapsulated the broader fight for academic freedom and the preservation of diverse perspectives in education.
A Cautionary Tale for Future Generations
*First They Came for My College* serves not only as a documentary but also as a vital record of a critical period in the fight for educational integrity. The filmmakers intend for it to be a cautionary tale, warning against the erosion of academic freedoms that has become increasingly prevalent under the Trump administration. As Batista notes, “New College was their little political playground,” highlighting the potential consequences if such actions are allowed to continue unchallenged.
The documentary premiered at the True/False Film Festival and is set to be screened at South By Southwest, prompting discussions around the implications of these events for higher education across the United States.
Why it Matters
The fight for academic freedom at New College of Florida represents a microcosm of a broader national struggle against the encroachment of political ideology in educational institutions. As students, educators, and advocates mobilise to protect their rights, the experiences documented in *First They Came for My College* serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding diverse voices and perspectives in academia. The outcome of these battles will shape the future landscape of higher education, making it imperative for society to remain vigilant and engaged.
