A Bold Shift in Higher Education
New College of Florida, a small public liberal arts institution in Sarasota, has made headlines by becoming the first university to express readiness to sign the Trump administration's higher education compact. This agreement, which outlines a series of policy demands for colleges in exchange for potential federal benefits, marks a significant pivot for the school. Once known for its progressive values and free-thinking community, the college has undergone a dramatic transformation under the influence of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's administration.
The compact, as reported on October 27, represents a set of requirements that institutions must meet to align with the administration’s priorities. While specific details of the compact remain under discussion, New College's willingness to adopt these changes signals a continued shift toward conservative principles, a process that began with DeSantis's overhaul of the school’s leadership and curriculum in recent years.
From Progressive Roots to Conservative Bastion
The transformation of New College of Florida started in earnest when Governor DeSantis appointed a new slate of conservative trustees in 2023, aiming to reshape the institution into a model of classical education with an emphasis on traditional values. This move was part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, as well as gender studies, from the curriculum. The appointment of Richard Corcoran, a close ally of DeSantis and former Florida Education Commissioner, as president further solidified this direction.
Under this new leadership, the college has seen changes such as an influx of athletes and the introduction of policies reflecting conservative ideologies. The decision to sign the Trump administration’s compact is viewed as an extension of these reforms. As noted in posts found on X, some see this as a 'bold step forward' for New College, aligning it with national conservative education agendas.
This shift has not been without controversy. Faculty, students, and alumni have expressed concerns over what they describe as a loss of academic freedom and the erosion of the college’s original mission. Despite opposition, the administration at New College remains committed to its current path, positioning itself as a pioneer in adopting federal policy changes under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership.
Implications for Higher Education Nationwide
The agreement to sign the compact places New College at the forefront of a potential wave of educational reform across the United States. While other colleges have reportedly rejected similar proposals, New College’s acceptance could set a precedent for how public institutions navigate federal incentives tied to policy alignment. This development comes at a time when education remains a contentious issue, with state and federal leaders pushing for significant changes in how universities operate.
Governor DeSantis’s influence continues to play a pivotal role, as seen in his recent announcement on October 27 at New College regarding a speech and debate competition award named after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. This event, attended by Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Florida Department of Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, underscores the ongoing partnership between state and federal agendas in reshaping education in Florida.