Florida Universities Facing Challenge as Faculty Resignations Spike Amidst New State Laws
Faculty resignations at Florida universities have reached a five-year high, with hiring officials struggling to attract new talent and retain existing instructors. The spike in resignations appears to be a result of new state laws that have negatively impacted tenure, academic freedom, and other aspects of university life. These changes have left faculty feeling unsafe and uncertain about their future in the profession.
One such example is Carolyne Ali-Khan, a departing education professor at the University of North Florida, who expressed her concerns about the current situation. She stated, It’s not safe here anymore on so many levels. It’s not physically safe. It’s not economically safe. It’s not professionally safe. It’s not intellectually safe. That was not true when I got here.
The impact of these new laws is evident in the hiring process as well. University officials are reporting difficulties in attracting new candidates, and even when offers are extended, potential faculty members are turning them down, even without having other options in hand.
In response to the growing concern over freedom of speech and cancel culture on campuses, New College of Florida has requested $2 million to establish an institute aimed at combating these issues. If approved, the institute would focus on hiring new faculty to lead efforts to protect academic freedom and encourage open dialogue.
In a related development, the Florida Education Association’s complaint against State Board of Education rules defining school libraries to include classroom collections was recently rejected by an administrative law judge. The ruling allows for more flexibility in defining what constitutes a school library, potentially impacting resources available to students.
In Lee County, a fifth-grader is facing legal action after being accused of making a threat of violence against a school. The case has raised questions about the validity of the allegations, with one school security employee claiming the case is faulty.
In an effort to ensure student safety, Florida school districts now have the authority to install cameras on buses to catch drivers who fail to stop as students board or disembark. This measure aims to hold drivers accountable and prevent potential accidents.
In Broward County, plans have been announced to demolish the building where the 2018 shooting massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School took place. However, future plans for the site remain uncertain.
Meanwhile, the high school football season in Southwest Florida may face disruptions if more referees cannot be found. The shortage of referees is creating concern for the smooth running of games and calls for recruiting efforts to address this issue.
On a lighter note, the farewell tour of the band Foreigner will include a performance in Florida, with the choir from Frostproof Middle-Senior High School opening the show.
As we wrap up, it’s essential to stay informed about important news stories. Remember, dolphins are often spotted while paddling, so keep an eye out for these majestic creatures in Florida’s waters.
