New College of Florida has found itself at the center of controversy following the disposal of hundreds of library books, many of which focused on LGBTQ+ topics and religious studies. The incident came to light when a dumpster in the parking lot of Jane Bancroft Cook Library was discovered overflowing with books and collections from the now-defunct Gender and Diversity Center.
Video footage captured a vehicle removing the books before students were notified, breaking from past practices where students were given opportunities to purchase books leaving the college’s library collection. The disposal has sparked intense debate and criticism, with local activists and students rushing to retrieve some books before their removal.
Discovery of Discarded Books
A dumpster at New College of Florida’s Jane Bancroft Cook Library was found filled with books from the library and Gender and Diversity Center. Many of the discarded books covered LGBTQ+ topics and religious studies. Video footage showed a vehicle removing the books before students were informed. This incident broke from past practices where students could purchase books leaving the collection.
Controversial Content of Discarded Books
The discarded books included titles such as “Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate” and “When I Knew,” a collection of LGBTQ+ stories. “The War of the Worlds” was also among the disposed books. Local activists from the SEE Alliance and a few students managed to retrieve several books before disposal.
College’s Initial Response
New College spokesperson Nathan March initially denied the account of book disposal as false. He stated that the college was undertaking a routine “weeding” of its campus library. March explained that materials from the Gender and Diversity Center were being removed because the gender studies program no longer exists.
Justification for Book Disposal
March cited Florida Statute 273 as the reason books could not be donated or sold. He also mentioned that many books may have been damaged by water from Tropical Storm Debby. The video of the dumpster did show some books with visible water damage, though the extent of damage was unclear.
Controversy Over Notification
March claimed that the Gender and Diversity Center books were moved to a location behind the library meant for book returns. However, this donation box was located near the book-filled dumpster. Several students stated they were never informed that the books were available to claim.
Timing of the Incident
The book disposal occurred before the college’s move-in day on August 23, when most students were not yet on campus. This timing raised questions about the opportunity for students to claim or purchase the books. The absence of most students during the disposal added to the controversy.
Faculty Reaction
Amy Reid, the faculty chair and board representative, expressed shock upon learning about the book disposal. She hadn’t been informed about the incident prior to the board of trustees meeting. Reid likened the disposal of books to throwing away democracy, emphasizing the importance of books to education.
Student Perspective
Natalia Benavides, a fourth-year student, observed books in the dumpster carrying the college’s seal and “discard” stickers. She witnessed the removal of the books and managed to retain several from the Gender and Diversity Center. Benavides questioned officials about donating the books but was told it wasn’t possible due to state statutes.
Civil Liberties Organizations’ Response
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida condemned the book disposal as a direct attack on free speech and academic freedom. Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, characterized the incident as an intentional act of censorship. The organization viewed the disposal as a threat to democratic values and the purpose of education.
Debate Over State Regulations
The college cited Florida Statute 273 to justify not donating or selling the books. However, the statute actually allows for disposing of state-funded personal property through various means, including transfer to other entities or public sale. This discrepancy has led to questions about the college’s interpretation and application of the law.
Impact on Academic Programs
The disposal of books from the Gender and Diversity Center coincided with the discontinuation of the gender studies program at New College. This has raised concerns about the broader implications for academic diversity and the range of subjects available for study at the institution. The incident has been seen by some as part of a larger shift in the college’s academic focus.
Questions of Transparency
The manner in which the book disposal was carried out, with little apparent notification to students or faculty, has led to questions about transparency in decision-making at New College. The discrepancy between the college’s initial denial and subsequent explanations has further fueled these concerns.
Broader Context of Educational Policies
This incident at New College of Florida occurs within a larger context of debates over educational policies and academic freedom in the state. Recent legislative changes and political appointments to college boards have sparked discussions about the direction of higher education in Florida. The book disposal has been viewed by some as a manifestation of these broader trends.
Community Response
The disposal of books has elicited strong responses from the local community and alumni. Some have organized efforts to preserve or replace the discarded materials. Others have called for a reevaluation of the college’s policies regarding library collections and academic resources. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of diverse perspectives in higher education.
Future Implications
The controversy surrounding the book disposal at New College of Florida may have long-lasting implications for the institution. It has raised questions about library management practices, academic freedom, and the preservation of diverse viewpoints in educational settings. The incident may lead to policy changes and increased scrutiny of decision-making processes at the college and potentially at other institutions in Florida.
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