Why did New College throw away all those books?
New College of Florida faced protests after thousands of discarded books raised questions about the administration's claims of damage and routine weeding, coinciding with significant institutional changes and distrust among students.
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New College of Florida recently faced controversy after thousands of books were found discarded in a dumpster, sparking protests from students and alumni. The college's administration claimed the books were either damaged or part of a routine weeding process, but conflicting statements raised questions about the legitimacy of these claims. The incident coincided with significant changes at the college, including the dismantling of the Gender and Diversity Center, which had been a vital resource for students exploring issues of identity. New College's board, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has been criticized for its efforts to reshape the institution in a manner reminiscent of conservative educational models. Students, including Natalia Benavides, took action to rescue books from the dumpster, believing that many were in good condition and should not have been discarded. The administration's lack of clear communication regarding the disposal of the books and the dismantling of the center has led to distrust among the student body. While some books were indeed damaged, the law allows for the donation or sale of state-funded materials, contradicting the college's claims. The situation reflects broader tensions regarding academic freedom and the direction of the college under new leadership.
- New College of Florida faced backlash after thousands of books were discarded in a dumpster.
- The administration claimed the books were damaged or part of a weeding process, but statements were inconsistent.
- The incident occurred amid significant changes at the college, including the dismantling of the Gender and Diversity Center.
- Students successfully rescued many books, questioning the administration's handling of the situation.
- The controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding academic freedom and institutional trust.
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2 commentsWell there's your problem. He's very straightforward in his "anti-woke." It seems like pure spite to order all the GDC's books trashed and murals painted over.
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