At a Glance
- Urban Meyer named to New College board
- Appointment part of DeSantis’s overhaul of the progressive school
- Move raises concerns for LGBTQ+ students
- Why it matters: The shift signals a change in campus culture and governance.
Urban Meyer, the Hall-of-Fame football coach, was named to the board of trustees at New College in Sarasota, a small liberal-arts school that Gov. Ron DeSantis has reshaped into a conservative bastion. The appointment follows a two-year campaign to replace progressive leadership with conservative figures and to dismantle diversity initiatives.
DeSantis-Driven Board Shake-Up
DeSantis appointed Meyer as part of a broader effort to overhaul New College’s governance. The move, pending state Senate confirmation, comes after the governor’s allies seized control of the board, fired the president, and removed the office of diversity and equity.
- College football Hall of Famer – led the University of Florida to national championships in 2006 and 2008.
- Ohio State champion – guided the Buckeyes to a title in 2014.
- NFL head coach – spent the 2021 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Impact on Students and Campus Culture
Students describe the changes as a hostile takeover, noting that the school’s safe space for LGBTQ+ students has been eroded. The removal of diversity programs and the appointment of a Republican politician to the presidency signal a shift away from the college’s former progressive identity.
| Aspect | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership | Progressive president | Republican politician |
| Diversity Office | Active | Dismantled |
| LGBTQ+ student space | Safe place | Eroded |
The board appointment was announced Tuesday alongside the reappointment of two other trustees.
Key Takeaways
- Urban Meyer’s appointment reflects DeSantis’s strategy to reshape campus governance.
- The overhaul has dismantled diversity initiatives and altered the college’s inclusive environment.
- Students feel the changes threaten the safety and support previously offered to LGBTQ+ members.
Urban Meyer’s addition to the board underscores DeSantis’s plan to transform higher-education institutions, raising questions about the future of diversity and inclusion at New College.
