A tiny college in Florida has found itself at the center of contention once again, this time over the disposal of hundreds of books, many focusing on LGBTQ+ themes and race issues. Just days before students were set to return for the fall semester, photos emerged showing heaps of books tossed carelessly in dumpsters on the New College of Florida campus.
The books were reportedly taken from the campus library as part of what the college administration described as ‘routine maintenance.’ This move drew ire from students and faculty alike, who argue the action resembles maneuvers historically enacted to censor thought.
According to Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, the removal felt akin to “a cultural purge.” “‘These actions are nothing short of a cultural purge, reminiscent of some of history’s darkest times, where regimes sought to control thought by burning books and erasing knowledge,'” Jackson stated.
Before the disposal event, students mentioned efforts to alert peers about the book dump. One student indicated seeing two large boxes filled with books around the Gender and Diversity Center on campus, which is undergoing renovations.
The decision to discard the books aligns with New College’s recent shift under the governance of conservative trustees appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. This transformation is viewed by many as part of a broader agenda targeting progressive ideals and educational diversity.
With DeSantis’ overhaul of the college’s Board of Trustees earlier this year, the school’s liberal image has shifted significantly. Now, it stands as another focal point in Florida’s fierce culture wars, particularly over matters related to gender studies and social justice.
New College claimed this book disposal was part of standard library practices, emphasizing it was not solely about LGBTQ+ or diversity topics. Their statement indicated the discarded books were connected to the now-defunct Gender Studies program, which itself has drawn heavy criticism from the conservative new board.
While college representatives maintain the move was routine, many view it as indicative of larger efforts to undermine programs focused on marginalized communities. A spokesman for the college, Nate March, offered no additional comments beyond the statement, leaving many questions about the process unanswered.
Faculty members have expressed outrage, with Amy Reid, the faculty chair, stating she felt “blindsided” by the decision. “I want to do [a period of mourning] for books, because books are what matter,” she publicly remarked, likening the disposal to losing democratic values.
Students arriving back on campus hope to salvage what remains of their college environment amid these changes. Reports indicate many students and alumni sifted through the remaining books, trying to find works of significance before they were lost for good.
The change at New College can’t be viewed without broader national trends. Recently, multiple states have enacted legislation aimed at removing what they term inappropriate content from school libraries—a move many critics see as censoring discussions about race, gender, and sexuality.
Books with titles such as When I Knew, featuring stories from LGBTQ+ voices, and Finding the Movement, detailing feminism’s second wave, ended up among the discarded materials. These titles were not isolated cases; rather, they represent the kinds of discussions many educators view as necessary for the development of well-rounded, informed citizens.
The recent book dump symbolizes not just the loss of literature but also the cultural values being cast aside. It stands as stark evidence of how rapidly educational narratives can shift depending on who is at the helm.
Now, students are facing the reality of what their institution has decided to erase—not just books, but voices and stories woven through academic discourse. The echoes of the past speak through those books, and many fear these stories will vanish without proper acknowledgment.
Last year, the college’s governing board implemented significant changes, including the abolishment of its gender studies program. This motion was largely driven by Board member Christopher Rufo, who has claimed to be combating purportedly leftist ideologies within education.
Beyond merely discarding books, the college has also dismantled its office of diversity and equity, which underpinned many of its minority-focused programs. This reduction reflects legislative actions across Florida to limit funding for programs promoting social activism and systemic critique—an approach framed as necessary by governing officials.
Students like Willem Aspinall, 19, have voiced their concerns about the shifting atmosphere. “It felt very much like New College was a little bubble in Florida,” he explained. “Now it feels like…that has kind of been burst.”
The repercussions of these decisions not only touch students currently enrolled but stretch to future generations who will miss out on the richness such diverse educational materials offer. This cultural rift highlights the struggles many institutions face as they tread carefully through the complex political climate.
The act of tossing books away may feel minor to some, but it carries historical weight for those who recognize the value of diverse narratives. It serves as a stark reminder of the continued battle over the content taught—and the stories shared—within educational spaces.
With the semester set to start soon, students and faculty alike brace for the impact of these sweeping changes, hoping to reclaim conversations around diversity and representation. The challenge now lies not just within the classrooms but across the entire college campus as they seek to find their footing amid the cultural chaos.
Many question what more will be discarded next and whether the college can maintain its identity or even survive under its current leadership. The answer may redefine what education means at the New College of Florida and potentially lay the groundwork for similar institutions across the nation.
Questions linger about how these decisions align with the broader goals of higher education and what it means to support all students equally. The coming weeks are likely to bring more developments as students rally to protect the stories woven throughout their institution’s history.
New College of Florida’s future remains uncertain as it continues to deal with the fallout from this latest controversy. Yet, it is clear to many observers and participants alike: the fight to uphold educational integrity and diversity within its walls is far from over.
