A new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, provides a harrowing insight into the battle for academic freedom at Florida’s New College, a liberal arts institution that has faced significant upheaval under Governor Ron DeSantis. The film chronicles the swift transformation of the college, renowned for its progressive values, into a target of conservative agendas aimed at enforcing ideological conformity in higher education.
A Sanctuary Turned Battleground
Established as a haven for independent thought over the past 50 years, New College has quickly become emblematic of the current political climate surrounding education in the United States. Following a hostile takeover by DeSantis in early 2023, the college’s board was restructured with the appointment of trustees aligned with far-right ideologies. This shift was marked by the dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and the removal of critical race theory from the curriculum.
Books authored by Black and Indigenous writers were discarded from library shelves, and the vibrant campus culture—once a safe space for LGBTQ+ students—fell victim to a wave of homophobia and intolerance. The administration’s aggressive push to convert New College into a conservative institution, reminiscent of Michigan’s Hillsdale College, has alarmed both students and faculty alike.
Students Rising Against Oppression
The film features perspectives from students like Gaby Batista, a former editor of the campus newspaper, who describes the confusion following the board’s overhaul. “As students at a public university, we never expect to be this involved with the board of trustees,” Batista explains. “Learning their names became necessary when their decisions directly impacted our lives.”
The documentary captures the spirit of resistance among students as they navigate this tumultuous period. Producer Harry W. Hanbury, an alumnus of New College, expressed his deep concern upon witnessing the takeover. “These Christian nationalists posed a real threat,” he stated, reflecting on the emotional toll of seeing his alma mater’s values compromised.
Director Patrick Bresnan’s approach to filmmaking embraced the student body, fostering trust through personal interactions rather than a traditional production team. He equipped five students with cameras to document their own experiences, creating a collaborative narrative that reflects their struggles and resilience.
The Fight for Identity and Expression
*First They Came for My College* not only highlights the political machinations at play but also showcases the vibrant culture that once thrived at the institution. Students are seen participating in drag performances and community events, reclaiming their space and asserting their identities despite the oppressive atmosphere.
As tensions escalated on campus, students took to the streets to voice their discontent, chanting slogans such as “Only Nazis ban books” during protests against DeSantis’s policies. The film captures these pivotal moments, illustrating how the student body transformed their anger into activism. Batista noted, “It was a morale boost for students to let our frustrations out and scream a little.”
A Broader Warning on Academic Freedom
Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers urge viewers to consider the implications of the current political landscape on higher education. With the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on academic freedom, including significant funding cuts to universities resisting conservative doctrine, institutions like New College have become cautionary tales.
The film’s title echoes historical warnings, suggesting that the events unfolding at New College could signify a larger trend towards authoritarianism in education. “We were the canary in the coalmine,” Batista asserts, emphasising the importance of vigilance in protecting academic institutions from ideological encroachment.
As the film prepares for its premiere at the True/False documentary festival, it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of educational freedoms and the need for collective action in safeguarding them.
Why it Matters
The story of New College is a microcosm of the broader struggles facing educational institutions across the United States. *First They Came for My College* not only documents a critical moment in the fight for academic freedom but also serves as a rallying cry for students and educators alike. It compels us to reflect on the purpose of universities in society—whether they exist to foster critical thinking and innovation or merely to serve as platforms for ideological indoctrination. As the battle for the soul of education intensifies, the stakes have never been higher.
