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SARASOTA, FLORIDA – In a move that has sparked significant controversy, New College of Florida, a small liberal arts school, removed and disposed of hundreds of books from its library, many of which contained LGBTQ+ themes. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Jane Bancroft Cook Library, where a dumpster was seen overflowing with books and collections from the now-defunct Gender and Diversity Center (GDC). This development is part of a broader transformation initiated by Florida's Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, who has vowed to reshape the campus into the "first public university to push back on gender indoctrination."
Nathan March, a spokesperson for New College, claimed that the disposal was part of a routine maintenance procedure and the standard weeding process of the library's collection. He cited Florida Statute 237, stating that the college could not donate or sell the state-funded books. However, the statute allows for the transfer or sale of such property under certain conditions.
March added that the Gender and Diversity Center's library, previously housed in the Hamilton Center, had been moved to a donation box behind the library. Despite this, several students reported that they were never informed that the GDC books were available for claiming.
Amy Reid, faculty chair and representative on the board of trustees, expressed concern over the impact of discarding books on democracy, stating, "Books are what matter." Natalia Benavites, a fourth-year student, observed that some discarded books carried the college's seal and a "discard" sticker. When asked if the books could be donated, officials referenced state statutes as a barrier.
Conclusion This incident at New College of Florida has intensified the debate over the college's transformation and the broader conservative campaign to reshape higher education. The disposal of these books, particularly those with LGBTQ+ themes, raises questions about the future of academic freedom and the preservation of diverse perspectives in educational institutions.
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