'Egregious': FL college sanctioned over DeSantis’ 'reign of terror'

The American Association of University Professors announced a "rare sanction" on Florida's New College Monday as a result of Governor Ron DeSantis' right-wing "takeover" of the state school last year, The Daily Beast reports.

Citing "egregious and extensive standards violations during its conservative takeover last year" by the failed GOP presidential candidate, the nonprofit wrote in its report the decision to sanction the school was due to "'unprecedented politically motivated takeover' that was a 'complete departure from shared governance.'"

Per the Beast, "The association said it publicly sanctions schools 'for the purpose of informing Association members, the profession at large, and the public that unsatisfactory conditions of academic government exist at the institutions in question.'"

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The Sarasota Herald-Tribune reported in October that at the start of the 2023-24 school year, Interim Provost Brad Thiessen confirmed "27% of the student body had decided not to return—or about 186 students" after the governor's takeover, which included appointing six new conservative board members.

"These actions have seriously impaired, if not irreparably damaged, the collective and individual functions of the New College faculty," a press release from the organization said.

Noting that New College's change in environment has sparked a mass exodus of professors as well, Florida A&M University law professor LeRoy Pernell said, “What we are witnessing in Florida is an intellectual reign of terror. There is a tremendous sense of dread right now, not just among faculty; it’s tangible among students and staff as well. People are intellectually and physically scared. We are being named an enemy of the state."

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The Daily Beast's full report is here (subscription required).