New College of Florida is set to become a major player in conservative higher education in the United States, with its student capacity poised to triple after absorbing the Sarasota-Manatee campus of the University of South Florida (USF). This strategic acquisition, driven by Governor Ron DeSantis's efforts to reshape the institution into a bastion of 'anti-woke' ideology, has sparked fierce controversy and allegations of political manipulation. The transfer of the 32-acre USF Sarasota-Manatee facility, complete with a state-of-the-art six-storey residential hall and a £44 million student centre, is scheduled for next month.
The expansion will significantly bolster New College's footprint, which currently serves around 900 students. Governor DeSantis has championed the institution as a model for his broader 'anti-woke' agenda, installing a board of trustees aligned with his conservative vision to steer its direction. The move is being resisted by various stakeholders, including USF students, faculty, education leaders, and local business owners, who warn that the popular programmes offered at USF Sarasota-Manatee – such as nursing, tourism, and hospitality – will be discontinued, harming both students and the regional economy.
Lucie Lapovsky, a higher education consultant and signatory on a letter condemning the proposal, highlighted the differing student demographics and academic offerings between the two institutions. She noted that USF Sarasota-Manatee catered to a diverse group, including local high school graduates and older residents seeking further education, making the closure of its programmes a significant blow to access and opportunity in the region.
Moez Limayem, President of USF, acknowledged the 'significant uncertainty and anxiety' among faculty, staff, and students regarding the campus loss. While promising that current students would be able to complete their USF degrees without disruption during a four-year 'teach-out' period, the long-term future of these programmes under New College remains unclear. Student leaders have also voiced their strong desire for USF to remain in the Sarasota-Manatee community, citing concerns about affordable access to degrees.
Fentrice Driskell, leader of Florida's House Democratic caucus, has accused Republicans of circumventing normal legislative processes to push through the handover. A proposal had initially passed the House but seemingly stalled in the state Senate. However, it was controversially resurrected by a conference committee earlier this month and inserted into the final state budget with minimal debate, awaiting Governor DeSantis's signature. Driskell described the proposal as 'reeking of grift' and criticised the governor for expanding executive power in an unprecedented manner.