A gripping new documentary, *First They Came for My College*, unveils the tumultuous struggle for academic independence at Florida’s New College, a once-thriving bastion of liberal arts. The film captures the rapid transformation instigated by Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration, which has sought to impose a conservative agenda on the institution. This analysis not only chronicles the fight for the school’s identity but also reflects a broader national trend towards the suppression of academic freedoms.
A Sanctuary Turned Battlefield
Established over fifty years ago, New College had cultivated a reputation as a sanctuary for independent thought and progressive values. However, this legacy faced a severe threat in 2023 when Governor DeSantis orchestrated a hostile takeover of the college’s board of trustees. His administration’s tactics aimed to dismantle what it labelled “woke ideology,” leading to significant changes that many students and faculty found alarming.
The newly appointed trustees, including controversial figures like Richard Corcoran and Christopher Rufo, initiated sweeping reforms. They eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes, and critical race theory was stripped from the curriculum. In what can only be described as a cultural upheaval, books authored by Black and Indigenous writers were discarded, and even the university’s community garden was razed to make way for a baseball stadium.
Students Unite Against the Tide of Change
In the midst of these upheavals, students rallied to reclaim the spirit of New College. Gaby Batista, a former student and protest leader, expressed the profound confusion felt by many. “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 reflected.
The documentary, *First They Came for My College*, delves deep into these student experiences, portraying a campus that has morphed into a battleground for ideological supremacy. Co-producer Harry W Hanbury, who has a personal connection to New College, described the emotional impact of witnessing the institution being overtaken. “To see it taken over by these people who are conquistadors was really painful, but also galvanising,” he lamented.
Filmmaker Patrick Bresnan adopted a unique approach to storytelling by involving students in the filmmaking process. Rather than relying on traditional production crews, he provided students with smartphones to document protests and personal reflections. This grassroots methodology not only fostered a sense of community but also allowed for a more authentic depiction of events.
The Fight for Academic Integrity
The film captures powerful moments of resistance, including students vocally opposing DeSantis during his visits to campus. Protesters greeted him with chants of “Only Nazis ban books” as he announced the signing of a bill that further restricted DEI programmes across Florida’s public institutions. Batista remarked on the anger that surfaced during these confrontations. “It was sort of a morale boost for students to get that anger out and just scream a little,” she shared.
Amidst the chaos, students sought to reclaim their identity and traditions. They organised events like drag performances and themed parties, which served as vital outlets for self-expression and community bonding in the face of adversity. The question arose: What role do universities play in society? “Are they businesses to extract wealth from people, or are they places where we not only expand consciousness but also gain skillsets to improve humanity?” one student pondered.
A Cautionary Tale for the Future
The filmmakers view *First They Came for My College* as a stark warning about the potential consequences of political interference in higher education. Bresnan highlights the film’s relevance, asserting, “At a certain point, the film became very serious in documenting our country’s turn toward these fascist practices.” He hopes that, in retrospect, audiences will reflect on this period with disbelief and a commitment to preventing similar occurrences in the future.
As the documentary prepares for its premiere at the True/False Film Festival and subsequent screening at South by Southwest, it stands not just as a record of a specific moment in time but as a broader commentary on the ongoing struggle for academic freedom across the United States.
Why it Matters
The fight at New College is emblematic of a growing trend where educational institutions face increasing pressure from political entities to conform to narrow ideological frameworks. As the documentary reveals, the implications of such actions extend far beyond the campus, threatening the very foundation of academic freedom and the diversity of thought essential to a vibrant democracy. In witnessing the resilience of the students, viewers are reminded of the importance of defending intellectual diversity and safeguarding the principles that underpin higher education.
