A new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, captures the struggle for academic independence at Florida’s New College, highlighting the profound impact of political interference in higher education. Once a bastion of liberal thought, the institution has faced a rapid transformation under Governor Ron DeSantis, who has sought to reshape it into a conservative stronghold. The film chronicles the experiences of students and alumni as they fight to preserve the ethos of their beloved college.
The Assault on New College
In 2023, New College of Florida, a liberal arts institution known for its progressive values, found itself at the centre of a political storm. Governor Ron DeSantis initiated a controversial campaign against what he termed “woke” ideologies, targeting the school’s governance and curriculum. Within a year, the college’s board of trustees was overhauled, replaced by figures aligned with DeSantis’s conservative agenda. This included the removal of critical programmes related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as the dismantling of departments that explored critical race theory.
Gaby Batista, a former student and protest leader, articulated the shock and confusion felt among students: “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.” This sense of invasion became the catalyst for a student-led resistance.
A Community in Turmoil
The documentary, directed by Patrick Bresnan and produced by Harry W. Hanbury, takes viewers inside this turbulent period. Following the abrupt changes, students witnessed their library shelves stripped of books by Black and Indigenous authors, and their cherished gender studies department was dismantled. The campus, once a vibrant community celebrating diversity, began to feel like a threatening environment where self-expression was curtailed. Batista noted that the atmosphere changed dramatically, with queer couples hesitating to display affection for fear of backlash.
In an effort to document this upheaval authentically, Bresnan and Hanbury prioritised building trust with the students. Rather than deploying a large film crew, they invested in personal interactions, even treating students to dinner to foster relationships. “Once we knew we were on the same wavelength, we were like, ‘Let’s do the damn thing,’” said Batista, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that emerged.
Resistance Through Creative Expression
The film showcases the resilience of the New College community, highlighting how students sought to reclaim their identity through creative outlets. As institutional support waned, they turned to each other for solidarity and expression, organising events like drag performances and themed parties. The documentary presents these moments as vital forms of resistance against the oppressive political climate.
Footage captured by students themselves adds an intimate layer to the narrative, providing a raw glimpse into the protests that erupted in response to DeSantis’s policies. During one such demonstration, students chanted slogans like “Only Nazis ban books” as the governor delivered a speech advocating for the elimination of DEI initiatives. Batista described the experience as cathartic, allowing students to vocalise their frustrations and unite against the perceived threats to their education.
A Broader Context of Academic Freedom
*First They Came for My College* situates the events at New College within a wider trend of political interference in higher education across the United States. The filmmakers argue that the actions taken against New College signal a disturbing shift towards authoritarianism in academic spaces. In recent years, funding cuts to universities that oppose political agendas have become commonplace, leading to the closure of numerous gender studies programmes and an increasing pressure to suppress discussions on race and diversity.
The documentary serves as a cautionary tale, alerting audiences to the fragility of academic freedom. “We were the canary in the coalmine,” said Batista, reflecting on the significance of New College’s experience. “New College was their little political playground.”
Why it Matters
The fight for academic freedom at New College represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle against political encroachment in education. As institutions grapple with external pressures, the experiences of students and faculty at New College serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving spaces for diverse thought and expression. This documentary not only documents a specific case but also calls for vigilance in protecting the values of education—values that are essential for fostering critical thinking and societal progress. As the battle for academic integrity continues, *First They Came for My College* stands as both a historical record and a rallying cry for future generations.
