New College of Florida Board Considers Freedom Institute as a Response to ‘Cancel Culture’
New College of Florida Board of Trustees has taken a step towards establishing a “Freedom Institute” by requesting $2 million in funding from the state Legislature. The purpose of this institute is to address the issue of “cancel culture” in higher education by promoting tolerance of opposing views and engaging in civil discourse. The meeting agenda of the trustees included a description of the institute, highlighting its goal to create true marketplaces of ideas on college campuses. New College Interim President Richard Corcoran emphasized the need to combat cancel culture and the pushback against it.
The majority of the funding, amounting to $1,755,000, would be allocated to employ scholars who would work and teach at the New College campus. These faculty members will offer courses to students that can be taken for credit. The funding proposal is contingent upon approval from lawmakers during the 2024 legislative session. It comes at a time when the liberal-arts school is undergoing several changes, including the appointment of new trustees by Governor Ron DeSantis. Corcoran, a former House Speaker and state education commissioner, was subsequently installed as the school’s interim president.
In addition to hiring scholars and offering courses, the proposed institute aims to provide short courses to the public in Sarasota and across Florida. It also plans to organize live events that promote New College’s and Florida’s dedication to free speech principles. Furthermore, the institute seeks to develop professional development programs for school teachers and university professors. Corcoran pointed out that similar programs at other universities have been successful in attracting new donors and enhancing the institutions’ profiles.
However, one trustee, Amy Reid, who is a professor of French language and Literature, voiced her criticism about the funding proposal’s writing. The first paragraph of the draft proposal incorrectly cited a poem, “The New Colossus,” by Emma Lazarus, without acknowledging the poet as its author. Reid expressed the importance of accuracy and editing, especially if the institute is expected to be a symbol of New College. Christopher Rufo, another trustee appointed by DeSantis, agreed with Reid’s suggestion to remove the hyperbolic opening paragraph from the draft proposal.
In addition to the funding request for the Freedom Institute, the New College trustees also approved a plan to seek $6.035 million for the development of three new master’s programs. These programs include a master’s in marine mammal science, a master’s of environmental economics and policy, and a master’s of educational leadership. The educational leadership program aims to reform issues with undergraduate education degrees, provide a platform for education reformers, and lead the development of innovative approaches to educating educators.
The New College of Florida Board of Trustees has taken significant steps to enhance the institution’s commitment to academic freedom and intellectual diversity. By requesting funding for the “Freedom Institute,” the board aims to create an environment that fosters open dialogue and the exploration of differing viewpoints. The proposed institute’s objectives align with national efforts to counter cancel culture and ensure that college campuses remain vibrant marketplaces of ideas. If the funding request is approved, the institute will hire scholars, offer courses, provide education outreach, and contribute to the institution’s profile, solidifying New College’s dedication to free speech principles.
