A new documentary, *First They Came For My College*, takes viewers inside the escalating battle for academic freedom at Florida’s New College, which has become a focal point in the ongoing culture wars led by Governor Ron DeSantis. The film chronicles the rapid transformation of the institution from a bastion of progressive thought into a target of conservative reformers, illustrating the profound impact of political agendas on education.
The Collapse of a Sanctuary for Independent Thought
Founded over 50 years ago, New College was renowned for its liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on independent thought. However, in less than a year, it has been significantly altered under DeSantis’s administration, which has labelled the institution as part of a broader “war on woke.” The governor’s intervention in early 2023 saw the ousting of former board president Patricia Okker, replaced by a new board stacked with right-wing figures aiming to strip the college of its progressive identity.
Following this takeover, the atmosphere on campus shifted dramatically. Books by Black and Indigenous authors were discarded, and the gender studies department was eliminated. In a move that has been described as emblematic of a broader cultural assault, the community garden was demolished to make way for a baseball stadium, prompting distress among students who felt their safe space was under siege.
Student Voices and Activism
The documentary features powerful testimonies from former students, including Gaby Batista, who emerged as a leader in the protests against these changes. Batista recalls the chaos that ensued as students grappled with the sudden political interference in their education. “You don’t expect to have to learn the names of your board of trustees when you’re at a public university,” she remarked, highlighting the unexpected nature of the struggle for students who once focused solely on their academic pursuits.
Producers Harry W. Hanbury and director Patrick Bresnan sought to capture this unique moment in history by prioritising student perspectives in their storytelling. They engaged directly with the student body, fostering trust and encouraging them to document their own experiences with personal devices. This collaborative approach brought authenticity to the film, allowing the raw emotions of the students to resonate throughout the narrative.
A Community Under Siege
The film showcases the resilience of students as they navigate a hostile environment. As institutional support systems like Title IX were dismantled, students banded together to create a sense of community. They reintroduced traditions that celebrated their identities, including drag performances and music events, as a form of resistance against the prevailing political tide.
Footage from protests vividly illustrates the atmosphere of dissent on campus, with students chanting slogans like “Only Nazis ban books” in response to DeSantis’s initiatives. The documentary captures the emotional weight of these moments, revealing the intersection of academic life and activism in an increasingly polarised society.
A Cautionary Tale for Higher Education
*First They Came For My College* serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of academic freedom in the face of political manoeuvring. The filmmakers aim to provoke critical discussions about the purpose of universities in society. “What are universities for?” one student asks, reflecting the larger philosophical debates surrounding education today. The documentary underscores the dangers of using higher education as a tool for ideological conformity rather than a space for diverse viewpoints and intellectual growth.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of the events at New College extend beyond Florida, signalling potential threats to academic institutions nationwide. The film posits that New College serves as a harbinger for what could unfold across the United States if current trends persist.
Why it Matters
The developments at New College are emblematic of a broader national trend threatening the very foundations of academic freedom. As political agendas increasingly infiltrate educational institutions, the struggle for independent thought and diverse perspectives becomes more critical than ever. This documentary not only documents a pivotal moment in higher education but also serves as a call to action for those who value intellectual diversity and the freedom to learn. The fight for academic freedom is not merely a localised issue; it is a vital component of safeguarding democracy and fostering an informed citizenry.
