Arabic version: وثائقي يوثق مقاومة الطلاب في كلية نيو كوليدج فلوريدا
The new documentary *First They Came For My College* explores the struggle for academic freedom at Florida’s New College, which has faced significant changes under Governor Ron DeSantis. Once a sanctuary for independent thought, the college has been transformed in less than a year, as DeSantis reshaped its board with right-leaning figures, aiming to eradicate what he describes as ‘woke ideology’. According to The Guardian, the documentary showcases how students have mobilized against these sweeping reforms.
Following the dismissal of former board president Patricia Okker in January 2023, the new trustees quickly eliminated diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, as well as critical race theory. This shift has led to a significant cultural change on campus, with reports of harassment and a decline in the campus’s inclusive atmosphere. Students, including protest leader Gaby Batista, have expressed their fears and confusion as they navigate these changes, feeling the impact of decisions made by individuals they had never engaged with before.
The film documents the emotional journey of students and alumni, including producer Harry W Hanbury, who reflects on the painful transformation of a place he once viewed as a ‘queer utopia’. Director Patrick Bresnan aimed to foster trust with students by prioritizing their involvement in the filmmaking process, allowing them to capture their experiences through personal footage. This collaborative approach not only enriched the documentary but also highlighted the students’ resilience.
As tensions rose on campus, students found innovative ways to express their discontent, culminating in protests marked by slogans like “Only Nazis ban books”. The film captures these moments, including DeSantis’s visit where he dismissed student concerns while signing legislation that further restricted educational programs. The students’ collective anger and frustration became a source of empowerment, leading to creative expressions of resistance, including performances and social gatherings.
*First They Came For My College* raises essential questions about the role of universities in society, challenging viewers to consider whether these institutions serve as profit-driven entities or as spaces for intellectual growth and social progress. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve under political pressures, the documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for academic freedom and the importance of community solidarity.
