SARASOTA, Fla. — An organization of professors and other academics across the United States announced Monday it unanimously voted to sanction New College of Florida over what they call a "politically motivated takeover" by Governor Ron DeSantis' administration.
The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) cited a report it published in December 2023 that examined changes to New College after DeSantis replaced the university's board of trustees in January 2023. The group said the decision to sanction the school was based on evidence collected in that report, which it says shows the changes were done without "shared governance".
"The board of trustees and administration thoroughly restructured the college's academic offerings without meaningful faculty involvement..." the AAUP wrote.
The AAUP also cited the ousting of then-President Patricia Okker, the elimination of the college's offices of inclusion, and denying faculty members tenure or renewal of tenure as all being done "in favor of pushing the governor's political goals" and not in the best interest of students or staff, according to a press release.
These sanctions do not affect the school's funding or accreditation. The AAUP's website reads that sanctions are "for the purpose of informing Association members, the profession at large, and the public" that a certain school does not meet the group's standards for collaboration between university leadership and faculty. Just as sanctions must be issued through a vote, the AAUP can also vote to remove sanctions.
In response to the news, New College of Florida spokesperson Nathan March called the sanctions a "headline grab."
"[The AAUP's] persistent targeting of New College for any change they disagree with is clear evidence that New College is at the forefront of reforming higher education," March said.
March also referenced the school's statement following the AAUP's December 2023 report, saying in part: "It is important to note that the AAUP's report does not align with our vision for New College nor the support we experience from our faculty and students. We are committed to cultivating a growing environment that encourages free inquiry, expression, and academic rigor."