Florida's Curriculum Overhaul: The Removal of 'Woke' Ideologies from Higher Education

Florida's public universities are undergoing significant curriculum changes following the enactment of a state law aimed at eliminating "woke ideologies" from higher education. This initiative, championed by Governor Ron DeSantis, has led to the removal of hundreds of general education courses from the upcoming academic year's offerings. The affected courses, previously counted toward graduation requirements, are being reclassified as electives, raising concerns among faculty and free speech advocates about potential further eliminations.

The Board of Governors, overseeing the state university system, asserts that these actions align with the Legislature's directive to ensure general education courses do not teach "identity politics" or include "unproven, speculative, or exploratory" content. University system Chancellor Ray Rodrigues emphasized that while students may choose to take these courses as electives, they will not be required to fulfill general education requirements.

Critics argue that this state intervention in curriculum decisions, traditionally managed by individual institutions, could negatively impact student and faculty retention and the academic standing of Florida's universities. Courses such as Women in Literature, Sociology of Gender, and Anthropology of Race & Ethnicity are among those being reclassified, prompting concerns about academic freedom and the breadth of educational offerings.

Universities that continue to offer these general education courses against the Board of Governors' recommendations risk losing essential state funding, underscoring the significant influence of this legislative change on higher education in Florida