‘Where learning goes to die’: DeSantis’s rightwing takeover of a liberal arts college

Small liberal arts college is being steadily eroded by a DeSantis-aligned board, in ominous sign for higher studies in a country torn by culture wars

When Nicholas Clarkson submitted his letter of resignation as an assistant professor of gender studies at New College of Florida (NCF) on 17 August, he became the 41st faculty member who has chosen not to return to its Sarasota campus during this year's fall semester.

The decision was not a hasty one: throughout the first half of 2023, Clarkson went about his teaching responsibilities even as he witnessed how the progressive, inclusive ethos of the small liberal arts college was being steadily eroded by a board of trustees dominated by political allies of Ron DeSantis, the rightwing Florida governor, whom he named in January.