The resulting self-censorship and fear among people caused the DeSantis administration’s efforts to alter higher education are damaging the quality of Florida’s public higher education, according to a new American Association of University Professors report. And these negative sentiments are also affecting the state’s private schools.
These findings come from a preliminary report from a special American Association of University Professors (AAUP) committee that was created earlier this year. The group found that academic freedom, tenure, and shared governance in Florida’s public colleges and universities are facing a politically and ideologically driven assault unparalleled in U.S. history.
The report – produced from interviews with public Florida college faculty – also found that:
A final report is expected by early fall. Meanwhile, DeSantis launched his 2024 presidential campaign on Wednesday.