New College of Florida featured in documentary on academic freedom

The documentary ‘First They Came for My College’ examines the transformation of New College of Florida following the January 2023 appointment of a new Board of Trustees by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The film depicts the institution’s shift from a liberal arts school known for academic rigor and diversity to a campus undergoing significant political and structural changes.

According to the film’s synopsis, the changes include the elimination of the Gender Studies program and the Title IX office, as well as shifts in student demographics and campus culture. The documentary, directed by Patrick Bresnan, aims to illustrate what it describes as a blueprint for political interference in academia and a microcosm of broader American culture wars.

The University of Kansas is scheduled to host a free screening of the film, followed by a Q&A session moderated by professor emeritus Kevin Willmott with director Patrick Bresnan.