The State of Intellectual and Academic Freedom in Florida

Attacks on intellectual and academic freedom are rising across the country with Florida leading the way. Attempts to control higher education by imposing sanctions, dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and threatening the freedom to read, teach, and learn are changing the landscape of education. By taking a look at legislation targeting Florida’s educational institutions, we’ll explore how faculty at public as well as private colleges and universities are being affected including eliminating programs, limiting course topics, and banning texts and themes. The confusion these vague bills create for educators at all levels only impedes education. As an academic faculty librarian, intellectual freedom and academic freedom are core principles as endorsed by the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) in the Joint Statement on Faculty Status of College and University Librarians.