A powerful new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, sheds light on the turbulent saga of New College in Florida, a liberal arts institution that has found itself at the centre of a political storm. Following a dramatic overhaul by Governor Ron DeSantis, the school, known for its commitment to progressive values and academic independence, has been thrust into a battle over educational freedom and identity.
A Shift in Leadership and Ideology
In less than a year, the beloved New College saw its decades-long identity dismantled as DeSantis replaced its governing board with a cadre of conservative appointees. The governor’s agenda aimed to reshape the institution into a conservative model akin to Michigan’s Hillsdale College. This transformation included the removal of critical programmes and the banning of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, leading to widespread discontent among students and faculty alike.
The once-vibrant campus environment, known for its inclusivity and intellectual diversity, shifted dramatically. Students reported the removal of literature by Black and Indigenous authors and the shuttering of the gender studies department. Gaby Batista, a former student and leader of the protests, described the atmosphere as one of confusion and fear. “You don’t expect to have to learn the names of your board of trustees and have their decisions affect your education so directly,” she remarked.
Documenting the Fight Against Censorship
The documentary, directed by Patrick Bresnan and produced by New College alumni Harry W. Hanbury, chronicles this significant upheaval. The film captures the voices of students and their efforts to reclaim the essence of their institution. It features raw, unfiltered footage, including students protesting against DeSantis’s policies while chanting slogans like “Only Nazis ban books.”
The filmmakers approached the situation with sensitivity, prioritising student involvement in the storytelling process. By equipping students with cameras, they allowed a more authentic portrayal of campus life during this tumultuous period. “I wanted to facilitate their ability to storytell,” said Bresnan, highlighting the importance of student perspectives in the film.
This participatory approach not only added depth to the documentary but also reflected the community’s resilience. The students transformed their frustration into creativity, reviving traditions like drag performances and hosting lively gatherings, thereby reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity and self-expression.
The Wider Implications of Educational Overhaul
The events at New College are emblematic of a broader national trend under the Trump administration, which has increasingly targeted higher education institutions that resist conservative ideologies. Funding cuts and the elimination of programmes deemed “divisive” have become common tactics. A report from the advocacy group Scholars at Risk described the administration’s actions as a blueprint for dismantling academic freedom.
As New College signed an agreement committing to stringent definitions of gender, Batista voiced a stark warning: “We were the canary in the coalmine. New College was their little political playground.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among educators and students about the future of academic institutions nationwide.
A Cautionary Tale for Future Generations
*First They Came for My College* serves as both a documentation of current struggles and a historical record of a critical juncture in American education. Bresnan hopes that the film will remind audiences of the fragility of academic freedom and the importance of defending it. “At a certain point, the film became very serious in documenting our country’s turn toward these fascist practices,” he stated candidly.
As the documentary premieres at the True/False film festival and screens at South by Southwest, its message resonates strongly: the fight for academic freedom is far from over.
Why it Matters
The struggle at New College is not just a local issue; it represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle for educational integrity across the United States. As political forces attempt to reshape the narrative of higher education, the events captured in *First They Came for My College* serve as a crucial reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting open discourse and academic diversity. The documentary not only chronicles this fight but also inspires future generations to stand firm in their values and advocate for the freedoms that define educational institutions.
