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On Monday, Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law legislation that prohibits the allocation of state funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida's public universities. This significant event took place at New College of Florida, a higher education institution where the governor has implemented a conservative-oriented approach, turning it into an experimental hub for conservative ideals. The signing ceremony highlighted the governor's commitment to reshaping the educational landscape and prioritizing a particular ideological framework within the realm of higher education.
Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the newly restructured board at New College has undertaken significant changes, including the elimination of the school's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) office. In a similar vein, the interim president of the college recently terminated the employment of the diversity dean. These actions foreshadow the potential effects of Senate Bill 266, which is at the center of Governor DeSantis' assertive legislative agenda this year and could potentially impact other universities across Florida. These developments highlight the governor's strong commitment to implementing his vision and agenda regarding DEI programs and initiatives within the state's educational institutions.
In anticipation of a potential presidential campaign, Governor Ron DeSantis has been actively promoting an agenda centered around cultural conflicts, particularly targeting what he perceives as "woke" policies. Within this broader agenda, universities have emerged as a significant focal point. Governor DeSantis has expressed concerns regarding what he sees as an excessive emphasis on matters of racial, gender, and LGBTQ equity within the campus environment. He has been vocal in criticizing what he perceives as an imbalanced campus culture and has advocated for reforms to address what he views as an overemphasis on these specific issues.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation on Monday that imposes limitations on the teaching of gender and race within campus settings. The new legislation mandates university officials to conduct reviews of educational materials and lessons that are grounded in theories suggesting the presence of systemic racism, sexism, and privilege as inherent in the fabric of United States institutions, which are believed to have perpetuated social, political, and economic inequities. This legislation seeks to provide oversight and scrutiny of educational content with the aim of ensuring a balanced and comprehensive approach to these topics within the academic environment.
DeSantis said Monday that DEI really should stand for "discrimination, exclusion and indoctrination."
“This has basically been used as a veneer to impose an ideological agenda and that is wrong," he said.
Democrats said the legislation will hurt students and Florida's university system.
According to Lauren Book, the Democratic leader in the state Senate, Governor DeSantis' approach to freedom of speech is concerning. She believes that partisan politics have hindered initiatives that have advanced inclusivity and acceptance of students from diverse backgrounds. These initiatives have played a crucial role in breaking down historical barriers and promoting progress as a nation.
DeSantis additionally signed HB 931 and SB 240 into law. These bills prevent Florida colleges from mandating students, faculty, or staff to endorse diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Furthermore, they aim to broaden apprenticeship programs, providing more opportunities for skill development and practical training in various fields.
New College has emerged as a key focus of Governor DeSantis' higher education vision following the appointment of six new board members on January 6. Governor DeSantis has expressed his ambition to transform New College, a public honors college in Florida, into a institution that reflects the values and model of Hillsdale College, a private Christian school located in Michigan.
The new board quickly fired the president and installed a DeSantis ally in her place, eliminated the DEI office and rejected early tenure for five professors, among a litany of changes that have dramatically altered the trajectory of the school.
Interim President Richard Corcoran also fired the diversity dean, who is transgender, and a librarian who also is a member of the LGBTQ community.
In support of the conservative transformation, state lawmakers have allocated an additional $50 million to New College since January 6. These funds are being utilized to bolster student recruitment, expand faculty recruitment efforts, establish new sports teams, and implement various programs aimed at advancing the conservative agenda.
“I don’t think they’ve ever gotten that infusion in the history of the college," DeSantis said, drawing applause from the crowd of 75 people gathered in College Hall. “We are committed to the mission here. I would love for this to be, and I think it will be, the top classical liberal arts college in America.”
In a spontaneous demonstration, students convened outside College Hall to voice their opposition to Governor DeSantis and the bill. Many received last-minute notifications from fellow students, including 19-year-old Libby Harrity, who had previously participated in rallies near Board of Trustees meetings. Harrity and fellow students expressed their discontent by jeering at DeSantis supporters upon their arrival at the College Hall parking lot.
"I have the fire of 10,000 suns in my soul, and it's all of the transgender energy," they said.
Jackson, a 20-year-old student at New College, expressed concern over the unexpected visit of Governor DeSantis, as it coincided with his scheduled exam at College Hall. He mentioned that his professor was unaware of DeSantis' presence and that there might be a need to reschedule the exam due to the situation.
“They've been doing this for decades, and it's these like constant surprise attacks on people who are 20-year-old students who just want to have, like, a normal education and life,” said Alex Abraud, a 21-year-old anthropology student.
The protestors chanted throughout DeSantis' event and could be clearly heard inside College Hall during speeches by the governor and others.
“I saw some of the protesters out there," DeSantis said. "I was a little disappointed. I was hoping for more."
Christopher Rufo, a DeSantis appointee to the New College board, also mocked the protesters.
Rufo, a well-known conservative activist and vocal opponent of DEI, praised the legislation signed by DeSantis on Monday as "transformative reforms." Highlighting his residence in the Seattle area, he mentioned the prevalence of protests there, suggesting that similar reactions should be expected in response to the new laws.
“This is kind of kindergarten-level protest," he said.
Following the event, Rufo met protesters outside where he blew kisses to them as they chanted "f---- you fascist." The protesters then followed Rufo to his car, where he was escorted out by police.
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