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 board, characterized by its conservative agenda, aimed to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and critical race theory, igniting significant student protests and resistance.

The Guardian

New College, known for its progressive values and diverse student body, became a focal point in the broader conflict over higher education in the United States. The Trump administration's policies have increasingly targeted academic freedom, leading to funding cuts for universities that resist conservative ideologies. The documentary highlights how New College's situation reflects a national trend of political interference in educational institutions.

The Guardian

The documentary features prominent figures such as Gaby Batista, a former student and protest leader, and filmmakers Patrick Bresnan and Harry W. Hanbury. Batista describes New College as a "queer utopia," emphasizing the importance of its inclusive environment. The new board includes controversial members like Richard Corcoran and Christopher Rufo, who have been vocal in their opposition to progressive educational practices.

The Guardian

As the new trustees implemented their agenda, students organized protests, expressing their anger and frustration. Bresnan's approach to filmmaking involved empowering students by providing them with camera phones to document their experiences, thus fostering a sense of community and collaboration. The protests included chants against censorship and the signing of bills that threatened academic freedom, with students asserting their right to express dissent.

The Guardian

DeSantis's administration has framed the dismantling of DEI programs as a necessary step against "woke ideology." In a speech at New College, he stated, “We are eliminating DEI,” positioning the initiative as a move towards educational reform. However, students and faculty have criticized these actions as detrimental to the university's mission and values.

Ms. (Magazine)

Critics argue that the changes imposed by the new board represent a broader attack on academic freedom and diversity in education. Batista articulated the sentiment among students, stating, “We were the canary in the coalmine,” indicating that New College's struggles are indicative of a larger national crisis in higher education.

Ms. (Magazine)

The documentary serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of academic freedom in the face of political agendas. It raises essential questions about the purpose of universities: whether they exist to foster critical thinking and inclusivity or to reinforce existing hierarchies. The filmmakers hope that their work will prompt reflection on the current state of education and inspire action to protect it.

Ms. (Magazine)

• “This is fascism,” — Patrick Bresnan, Director

The Guardian

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

The Guardian

• “If you want to do things like gender ideology, go to Berkley,” — Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida

The Guardian

*First They Came for My College* not only documents the turmoil at New College but also serves as a reflection of the ongoing struggle for equity and inclusion in higher education across the United States. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the film emphasizes the importance of student activism and the need to defend academic freedom against encroaching censorship.

Ms. (Magazine)