A new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, sheds light on the escalating struggle for academic freedom at New College of Florida, a small liberal arts institution that has recently been thrust into the spotlight due to a high-profile political takeover. The film captures the turmoil following Governor Ron DeSantis’s drastic overhaul of the college’s administration, marking a significant shift in the landscape of higher education in the state.
Political Overhaul at New College
New College, which has long been celebrated for its commitment to liberal arts and independent thought, has faced an unprecedented transformation since 2023. Under the directive of Governor Ron DeSantis, the institution’s board of trustees was dismantled and replaced with individuals aligned with conservative ideologies. This move is part of a broader campaign against what DeSantis has termed “woke culture,” resulting in sweeping changes aimed at reshaping the college into a conservative stronghold, reminiscent of Michigan’s Hillsdale College.
The new board wasted no time in stripping the campus of its progressive identity. Libraries were emptied of books by Black and Indigenous authors, and entire departments, such as gender studies, were eliminated. Students reported a palpable shift in campus culture, with many feeling compelled to conceal their identities and expressions due to an environment increasingly hostile towards diverse viewpoints.
A Community in Crisis
Gaby Batista, a former student and protest leader, reflects on the chaos that erupted following these changes. “The confusion was palpable,” she stated, recalling her shock at having to confront the board of trustees directly, a situation she never anticipated as a student. The documentary captures this sense of urgency, illustrating how students rallied to defend their institution’s core values amidst significant upheaval.
Documentary producer Harry W. Hanbury shares his emotional response upon learning about the takeover, describing it as a painful yet galvanising moment. He recalls the deep connection he felt to New College, a place he considered his intellectual home. Alongside director Patrick Bresnan, Hanbury endeavoured to document the community’s response and resilience in the face of adversity.
Student Activism and Resistance
*First They Came for My College* showcases the vibrant activism that emerged from the student body as they fought to reclaim their institution. Through a series of protests and community events, students united in opposition to the administration’s policies. The film incorporates raw footage of these demonstrations, including powerful moments where students chanted slogans like “Only Nazis ban books,” highlighting their fervent commitment to preserving academic freedom.
Bresnan, who emphasised building trust with the students, took an unconventional approach by investing in personal interactions rather than elaborate filming setups. This strategy paid off, as students felt empowered to share their stories and perspectives, contributing to the documentary’s narrative.
The Wider Implications for Higher Education
The documentary does not merely focus on New College but also contextualises the broader attack on higher education across the United States. The filmmakers argue that New College serves as a microcosm of a national trend towards limiting academic freedom and enforcing ideological conformity in universities. The Trump administration’s policies, including significant funding cuts to institutions resisting its agenda, have led to a decline in academic diversity and the shuttering of various academic programmes.
The film poses critical questions about the role of universities in society. Are they merely institutions for wealth extraction, or do they serve the purpose of fostering intellectual growth and social progress? This inquiry resonates deeply in a time when educational ideals are under threat.
Why it Matters
*First They Came for My College* serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of academic freedom in contemporary America. As the film illustrates the struggles at New College, it also urges viewers to reflect on the implications of such political manoeuvring for the future of education. The narrative of New College is not just about one institution; it represents a broader warning about the erosion of intellectual diversity and the dangers posed by ideological extremism in educational settings. As audiences engage with this documentary, it compels a necessary discourse on the values that underpin higher education and the importance of safeguarding them for future generations.
