Overview

• A report by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) claims that academic freedom and independent governance in Florida's university system are under attack during Gov. Ron DeSantis' tenure.
• The report highlights the takeover of the New College of Florida by DeSantis supporters as a key turning point, with the institution becoming a focal point in DeSantis' campaign against what he calls left-leaning 'woke' indoctrination on campuses.
• The report also criticizes the appointments of GOP politicians to the boards governing the state's higher education system, accusing them of serving DeSantis' wishes rather than ensuring the universities' wellbeing.
• Recent legislation has expanded the power of these boards to dictate policies to campus administrations and faculties, according to the report.
• The report also mentions a new law requiring a review of tenured professors every five years and forcing state schools to be accredited by a different agency each cycle, a move seen as threatening academic freedom.