A new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, delves into the turmoil surrounding New College of Florida, a once-renowned liberal arts institution now embroiled in a fierce struggle for academic freedom. The film captures the rapid transformation of this small college, which has been radically altered under Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration. In less than a year, the school has gone from a haven of progressive thought to a battleground for conservative ideologies, sparking intense debate about the future of education in the United States.
A Change in Leadership and Ideology
In 2023, New College found itself at the centre of a political storm when Governor DeSantis initiated a significant overhaul of its board of trustees. The changes were aimed at dismantling what the governor and his supporters referred to as “woke ideology” within the institution. The new board, which includes controversial figures like former Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran and conservative activist Christopher Rufo, wasted no time in implementing sweeping reforms. DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programmes and critical race theory courses were abolished, resulting in the removal of numerous books authored by Black and Indigenous writers from the college library.
The drastic shift left many students and faculty members reeling. Gaby Batista, a former student and protest leader, expressed the confusion and fear that engulfed the campus. “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,” she stated, reflecting on the uncertainty that gripped her community.
A Community Under Siege
The documentary, directed by Patrick Bresnan and produced by Harry W. Hanbury, chronicles the students’ efforts to reclaim their school’s identity. Following the board’s takeover, students banded together, protesting against the new regime. The filmmakers sought to capture not just the protests but the essence of the community that had been cultivated at New College over decades.
“New College was like where I was born,” Hanbury remarked, recalling his emotional return to the campus. “To see it taken over by these people who are conquistadors – the junta, as I like to call them – was really painful, but also galvanising.” The film’s approach involved empowering students to share their own stories, providing them with cameras to document their experiences during this tumultuous period.
The footage captured by students adds a layer of authenticity to the documentary, showcasing passionate protests where students chanted slogans like “Only Nazis ban books” as DeSantis made his presence felt on campus. The governor’s address, filled with controversial policy announcements, met with fierce opposition from students who felt their values were under assault.
Resistance Through Expression
In the face of adversity, the students found creative ways to express their dissent and foster community spirit. As institutional support dwindled, they leaned on each other for solidarity, reviving traditions such as drag performances and vibrant celebrations to maintain a sense of belonging. “We have to bring back the queer traditions,” one student declared, illustrating how resistance can manifest in various forms.
Moreover, the film raises profound questions about the role of universities in society. Students grapple with the philosophical implications of their education: Are universities merely businesses, or are they spaces that foster intellectual growth and societal progress? This reflection resonates deeply amid an ongoing national conversation about the purpose of higher education.
A Cautionary Tale
*First They Came for My College* serves as a stark warning about the threats facing academic freedom across the United States. The filmmakers see New College’s struggles as emblematic of broader trends in educational policy under the Trump administration, which has seen significant cuts to funding for institutions that resist conservative agendas. The documentary aims to remind audiences of the potential consequences of these political manoeuvres.
Bresnan articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is fascism. At a certain point, the film became very serious in documenting our country’s turn toward these fascist practices.” He hopes that future generations will look back at this period with disbelief and a commitment to preventing similar events from occurring again.
The documentary is set to premiere at the True/False festival this month and will also be showcased at the South by Southwest festival on 12 March, aiming to engage audiences in a critical discussion about the future of academic institutions in America.
Why it Matters
The events chronicled in *First They Came for My College* highlight a critical juncture in the ongoing battle for academic freedom and the preservation of diverse perspectives within educational settings. As political pressures mount and ideologies clash, the film serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for intellectual autonomy is far from over. The implications of this struggle extend beyond New College, raising essential questions about the role of education in a democratic society and the values we wish to uphold.
