How Ron DeSantis politicized Florida’s higher education by placing his loyalists at the top
Summary
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed many loyal supporters to leadership roles in state colleges and universities, significantly influencing higher education in Florida. These appointees often lack experience in managing universities but align with DeSantis’s political views, continuing his changes even after he leaves office.Key Facts
- Ron DeSantis will leave office in less than four months, but his allies remain in powerful university positions.
- Alex Kelly, a former deputy chief of staff and commerce secretary under DeSantis, is the leading candidate to become president of Pensacola State College.
- Kelly’s salary is expected to increase from $186,000 to over $353,000 with this new role.
- DeSantis’s administration targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and limited free speech on campuses.
- Several DeSantis allies, including former politicians and education commissioners with little higher education experience, have been appointed as college presidents.
- Most appointments were approved by boards dominated by DeSantis appointees, including a 17-member state university system board with 14 members he appointed.
- Critics say these appointments prioritize political loyalty over academic experience or academic freedom.
- Some faculty and students protested these appointments, especially at Florida International University and Florida A&M University.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
