New College Documentary Explores Controversial Takeover

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A new documentary titled 'First They Came For My College' explores the controversial political takeover of New College of Florida that began in 2023. For nearly two years, a team of student journalists at the Sarasota-based university have been chronicling the dramatic events surrounding the state-led effort to reshape the school's leadership and curriculum.

Why it matters

The takeover of New College has become a flashpoint in the national debate over the role of politics in higher education. The student-led documentary provides an intimate, on-the-ground perspective of how the changes have impacted the campus community and raised concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy.

The details

In 2023, Florida's Republican-controlled government moved to overhaul the leadership and curriculum at New College, a small, progressive liberal arts school. The state appointed a new board of trustees and president, sparking protests from students, faculty, and alumni who feared the school was being transformed to align with conservative political priorities.

• The political takeover of New College began in 2023.
• The student documentary team has been chronicling events for nearly two years.

What’s next

The documentary is expected to have its world premiere at a major film festival later this year, bringing further attention to the ongoing battle over the future of New College.