The New College of Florida (NCF), once a prominent liberal arts school, has recently undergone a significant ideological shift due to efforts spearheaded by Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis. This transition from a progressive to a conservative institution has been marked by the appointment of a new administration aligned with right-wing ideologies, leading to a reshaping of the college’s mission and faculty.
DeSantis’ allies now control NCF’s board, with individuals like Christopher Rufo, known for his conservative activism, playing a central role. This shift has sparked considerable unrest on campus, leading to protests and staff departures.
The transformation at NCF is viewed by some Republican leaders as a potential blueprint for reorienting American higher education, which they argue is predominantly left-leaning. With Donald Trump’s recent re-election victory, the strategy employed at NCF may be expanded to other institutions. Supporters see these changes as part of a broader conservative movement to counteract what they perceive as liberal dominance in academia.
The Guardian reports that several faculty hired under the new administration have connections to far-right media and think tanks. Richard Corcoran, NCF’s new interim president, has overseen appointments that align closely with conservative agendas.
These appointments, including controversial figures like Bruce Gilley, have sparked criticisms that the college prioritizes ideological alignment over academic qualifications. An internal letter from faculty members expressed concerns that hiring practices are increasingly arbitrary, replacing established academic processes with administrative decisions.
Gilley’s hiring has been particularly contentious due to his past advocacy for colonialism and his support of right-wing causes. Gilley is involved with the National Association of Scholars, which aligns with Project 2025, a conservative policy framework.
New College of Florida’s Ideological Shift Sparks Protests Amid DeSantis-Led Conservative Overhaul
Critics argue that his appointment reflects a disregard for the traditional peer-reviewed academic process, with faculty and students alike questioning the motivations behind such decisions.
Other recent hires include Andrew Doyle and Joseph Loconte, both of whom are vocal critics of progressive ideologies. Doyle, an anti-“woke” writer from the UK, and Loconte, a former Heritage Foundation director, are among several scholars brought on as part of a right-wing strategy to influence academic discourse. Their salaries place them among the highest-paid faculty at NCF, signaling a significant shift in institutional priorities.
Emails obtained by American Oversight reveal that Gilley’s appointment was recommended by Robert Allen, a DeSantis supporter with ties to NCF’s board. The exchanges between Allen and Corcoran hint at close political coordination, with Allen suggesting other ideologically aligned candidates for faculty positions.
Nathan Allen, NCF’s VP of strategy and special projects, also exemplifies the new administration’s tone with his public criticisms of progressive academics, including posts targeting figures like Cornel West.
The ideological overhaul extends to faculty hiring procedures, which faculty members claim are now compromised by political influence. In a letter dated 31 May, faculty leaders voiced their “deep concerns” over the new processes, arguing that the administration’s decisions disrupt interdisciplinary programs and the quality of education offered.
They claim the hiring shifts damage NCF’s academic integrity by appointing individuals without proper credentials or alignment with educational standards.
NCF’s recent decisions have also impacted its national reputation. Its rankings among liberal arts schools have dropped significantly since Corcoran’s takeover. Controversial actions, such as purging library materials related to gender studies and inviting divisive speakers to campus, have fueled campus protests and generated negative media coverage, further eroding NCF’s image in academia.
New College of Florida’s Ideological Shift Sparks Protests Amid DeSantis-Led Conservative Overhaul
The administration’s recent push to revise the core curriculum has only heightened tensions. Critics argue that the changes prioritize conservative ideology over academic rigor, with faculty and students pushing back against what they view as politicized curriculum adjustments.
This conflict, alongside the broader administrative overhaul, illustrates the extent to which NCF’s identity as a liberal arts institution is being redefined under its new leadership.
In sum, NCF’s shift is emblematic of a larger conservative agenda within American higher education. As DeSantis and other right-wing figures attempt to reshape colleges in their ideological image, NCF stands at the forefront of this controversial transformation, drawing national attention and igniting debates over the role of politics in academic institutions.
The college’s future remains uncertain as it navigates ongoing protests, faculty resistance, and potential shifts in federal and state educational policies.
