The Battle for New College: A Documentary on Higher Education Under Siege

The documentary *First They Came For My College* chronicles the upheaval at New College of Florida, a small public university, following the appointment of a new board of trustees by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2023. This shift marked a significant move against what the board termed "woke ideology," leading to the abolition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and critical race theory. The new trustees included controversial figures such as Richard Corcoran, a former Florida House Speaker, and Christopher Rufo, known for his role in promoting conservative educational policies.

The Guardian

The changes at New College are part of a broader trend initiated during the Trump administration, which has been characterized by significant cuts to funding for universities that do not align with conservative values. This has led to the closure of various gender studies departments and increased pressure on institutions to eliminate what are deemed "divisive concepts" from their curricula. The documentary highlights how New College became emblematic of this national struggle over academic freedom and institutional identity.

The Guardian

Students at New College, including protest leader Gaby Batista, expressed feelings of confusion and anger as they witnessed their campus transform into a battleground for ideological conflict. Batista described the school as a "queer utopia," where self-expression thrived, contrasting sharply with the new administration's agenda. The documentary captures the students' resistance, showcasing their protests against DeSantis's policies, including chants like "Only Nazis ban books" during his campus visits.

The Guardian

In a speech at New College, Governor DeSantis stated, “We are eliminating DEI,” emphasizing his administration's commitment to dismantling programs he views as promoting divisive ideologies. His remarks were met with outrage from students, who felt their values and identities were under direct attack.

The Guardian

Critics of the new board's actions argue that the changes threaten the very essence of higher education. The student advocacy group Scholars at Risk has labeled the Trump administration's approach as a "model for how to dismantle" academic freedom. Batista articulated the sentiment of many students, stating, “We were the canary in the coalmine,” highlighting New College's role as a focal point in the larger fight for educational integrity.

The Guardian

As the documentary illustrates, the struggle at New College is ongoing, with students seeking to reclaim their community and traditions amidst the turmoil. Events like drag performances and community gatherings serve as forms of resistance, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. The filmmakers aim to provoke critical discussions about the purpose of universities in society, questioning whether they should serve as profit-driven entities or as spaces for intellectual and personal growth.

The Guardian

• “These Christian nationalists posed a real threat.” — Harry W Hanbury, Documentary Producer

The Guardian

• “He was spitting in our faces,” — Gaby Batista, Former Student

The Guardian

• “What are universities for?” — Anonymous Student

The Guardian

• “We were the canary in the coalmine,” — Gaby Batista, Former Student

The Guardian

The documentary *First They Came For My College* not only captures the immediate conflict at New College but also reflects a larger national discourse on the future of higher education in America.

The Guardian