New College of Florida Faces Backlash Over Discarded Books Amid Culture Wars

The New College of Florida has ignited controversy after hundreds of books, including titles related to LGBTQ+ issues and race, were discarded in dumpsters, coinciding with the college's recent abolition of its gender studies program. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from students and civil rights organizations, who view the action as a form of censorship amid a broader cultural conflict in the state. The college, now governed by a board appointed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has been under scrutiny for its shift towards conservative policies. New College administrators clarified that the discarded books were part of a routine culling process, separate from the gender studies program's closure. However, students reported seeing books from the student-run Gender and Diversity Center being thrown away, including significant works on slavery and feminism. Critics argue that the removal of these materials reflects a troubling trend of erasing diverse perspectives and knowledge, reminiscent of historical book burnings. The American Civil Liberties Union condemned the actions as a "cultural purge," emphasizing the importance of preserving diverse narratives in academic settings. The college's decision to discard books has raised alarms about the implications for academic freedom and the preservation of knowledge, particularly as Florida continues to implement laws limiting discussions on race and gender in educational institutions. As the fall semester approaches, the incident has left many students and faculty feeling blindsided and concerned about the future of academic discourse at New College, a once-progressive institution now grappling with the realities of a changing political landscape.