SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) - Urban Meyer, a renowned College Football Hall of Famer, has been appointed to the board of trustees at New College, a small public liberal arts college in Sarasota, Florida. This appointment was made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has made significant changes to the institution, transforming it from a progressive school into a platform for his "war on woke" ideology.
Governor DeSantis announced Meyer's appointment this week, alongside the reappointment of two additional trustees at New College. The governor's allies took control of the college's board two years ago, strategically placing DeSantis supporters and conservative figures in key positions. Meyer, who is currently a college football analyst for FOX Sports, previously served as the head football coach at the University of Florida, leading the Gators to national championships in 2006 and 2008. He also guided Ohio State to a national championship in 2014 and had a brief stint as the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL during the 2021 season.
Meyer’s appointment is pending confirmation by the state Senate. DeSantis initially targeted New College for reform due to its reputation as a progressive institution with a vibrant LGBTQ+ community, which the governor and his supporters claimed was propagating leftist ideologies. They aimed to reshape the college into a more conservative educational environment, reflective of their political beliefs.
Upon gaining control of the Board of Trustees, DeSantis’ allies wasted no time in implementing drastic changes. The college president was fired and replaced with a Republican politician, marking the beginning of significant administrative shifts at the college. Additionally, the previously established office of diversity and equity was dismantled. These changes have drawn criticism from students, who have likened the situation to a "hostile takeover," arguing that the governor’s actions are undermining a safe haven for many LGBTQ+ students who have historically found support and acceptance at New College.
The transformation of New College reflects broader national trends where educational institutions are increasingly caught in political battles over ideological control and the direction of curriculum. Governor DeSantis, through his administration, has positioned himself as a prominent figure in the national discourse over education, particularly concerning issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders within the college community, including students and faculty, continue to express their concerns regarding the implications of these changes on the inclusive environment that New College has traditionally provided. The appointment of Urban Meyer to the board of trustees signals the ongoing alignment of higher education governance with political objectives in Florida.
