Patrick Bresnan’s New College of Florida documentary “First They Came For My College” (Harry Hanbury Productions/Otis Lucas Productions) opens with a SCOTUS Justice William O. Douglas quote about the negative impact of the restriction of free thought and free speech and closes with a reminder of the attacks on institutions of higher learning since Trump’s reelection.
Founded more than 60 years ago as a widely acclaimed public liberal arts school, Sarasota, Florida-based New College made the national news when in 2023 Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ installed a new board of directors of his choosing, including far-right figures Chris Rufo and Richard Corcoran, on January 6, no less.
Praised for its beautiful scenery and sunlit bayfront setting, New College was a center of academic rigor, independent learning, queer expression, and radical acceptance. It had no fraternities or sororities, and no big sports teams. In other words, New College was everything that DeSantis and his ilk despised.
As a perfect example of grooming, the conservative Board of Trustees set about recruiting a conservative student body, including Ciceronian Josh, as well as student athletes who, as it turns out, were misled about what’s possible for them at the school. Additionally, some of the student athletes brought disturbing elements to campus, including homophobia, a drop in academic standards, and other unsupervised bad behaviors.
Essential components of New College’s more than 60-year history were being systematically dismantled. Returning students were no longer allowed to live on campus to make room for the influx of jocks in Crocs. There was the elimination of the Title IX office as well as the Gender Studies program, and the suddenly empty library shelves. During the summer, when students were away from campus, a school mascot, which had never existed, was created. Adding insult to injury, a hurricane devastated the campus.
Not surprisingly, several students and faculty members left the school. During all the trauma, there are small moments of triumph, including the revival of the cherished “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screening (particularly poignant considering Curry’s recent passing), and the humiliating silencing of controversial graduation guest speaker Joe Ricketts.
There are probably some who will think that filmmaker Bresnan has too much of a liberal bent, especially when it comes to the depiction of student Josh’s transformation. However, the conservative voices we hear don’t do themselves any favors. Rufo’s blatantly offensive disregard for the opinions of anyone who does not follow his Christo-fascist doctrine is appalling. And it doesn’t take long for bumbling Corcoran, who is the kind of illiterate conservative fool who thinks saying “you guys’s” is grammatically correct, to show us who he is.
Even if you don’t live in Florida, it’s important not to ignore what transpired at New College, and the implications for other U.S. colleges and universities. “First They Came For My College” opens in theaters on September 18, in time for the start of the new school year.
Rating: B+
