New College of Florida is set to triple in size by absorbing the University of South Florida’s Sarasota-Manatee campus. The decision was made by the University of South Florida’s Board of Trustees and will result in New College gaining over 32 acres of land and facilities, including student housing. However, the institution will also assume $53 million in campus-related debt.

Background

The acquisition is a significant expansion for New College, which has been targeted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis as part of his effort to combat ‘woke’ ideology in higher education. DeSantis and his supporters have argued that the school had become a center for leftist indoctrination and required a complete curriculum overhaul.

The proposal was met with criticism from state Democrats, who accused state Republicans of bypassing standard legislative procedures to push the land transfer through. University of South Florida President Moez Limayem acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, but assured current students that their education would not be disrupted.

Impact

The closure of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus has raised concerns about the potential economic impact on the local community. The university has long relied on a steady, localized workforce, and the loss of the campus could trigger an economic downturn.

Despite the challenges, New College officials point to a rebound in enrollment, which has risen from roughly 700 students to over 900. However, independent analysts have questioned the accuracy of these figures, noting that the school’s total population remains below its long-term institutional target of 1,200 students.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.