SPLC Denounces Dumping of Gender and Diversity Books by New College of Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla — Yesterday, the New College of Florida suddenly discarded hundreds of library books devoted to LGBTQ+, diversity and religious studies topics, including collections from its former Gender and Diversity Center. Neither students nor the public were given the opportunity to acquire or adopt these books before they were discarded or damaged, as provided by FS 273.

“Ron DeSantis’ extremist college makeover continues with the destruction and disposal of hundreds of books from the gender and diversity collection at New College of Florida. This wasteful and hurtful action undermines New College’s mission to ‘prepare intellectually curious students for lives of great achievement,’” says Jonathan Webber, Florida policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center. “Restricting what students can read and learn also interferes with academic freedom and hinders access to diverse ideas and perspectives.

“The destruction of books for political gain is completely outside the mainstream of American values and is only embraced by a few fringe elements. Students and parents believe that educational decisions should remain in the hands of educators. They do not want Tallahassee politicians using their classrooms to advance their own ideological agendas,” concludes Webber.