Education writer Jocelyn Gecker explained how professors, students and their families at the small, liberal arts New College of Florida are having their lives shaken up after the school came under attack from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as “woke.” Professors at the New College of Florida are using personal email because they’re afraid of being subpoenaed. As she reported, some students fear for their physical safety. Many worry their teachers will be fired en masse and their courses and books will be policed. They say it is increasingly hard to focus on their studies. The story got widespread play online, and on AP’s website was the most engaged story of the week, with 249,000 page views and an engagement score of 100.
Students at small, liberal arts New College of Florida subject of political takeover by governor
New College of Florida students and supporters protest ahead of a meeting by the college's board of trustees, on the school campus in Sarasota, Fla., Feb. 28, 2023.
AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell