Florida's Higher Education Under Threat from DeSantis's Policies

Governor's Efforts to Reshape State Universities Lead to Departure of Instructors and Threaten Academic Freedom

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is reshaping education in his state, leading to a constriction of educational opportunities, a chilling effect on instructors, and a threat to academic freedom, according to a report from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP).
DeSantis's efforts have led to changes in leadership and structures at state universities, uprooted efforts to expand diversity, and limited or blocked certain subjects, particularly about race.
Many instructors are leaving the state's universities due to concerns about DeSantis's politicized stewardship, and the atmosphere is discouraging potential replacements.
DeSantis's actions are seen as part of his strategy to demonstrate how he would wield executive power from Washington as he seeks the Republican Party's 2024 presidential nomination.
Despite the impact on more than 400,000 students, these developments have attracted less attention than controversies at Ivy League universities.