New College of Florida’s applied data science college director, Aaron Hillegass, handed his resignation letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Hillegass branded the governor a “fascist” over his educational stance.
Hillegass worked as a director for a few months
Aaron Hillegass started has worked at New College, a public liberal arts institution in Sarasota, Florida, since November 2022. His position was to recruit students and professors and assist students in regaining job positions after graduating.
Hillsdale of the South
The director wanted to stop the transformation of the New College into “Hillsdale of the South.” Hillsdale College is a Michigan-based private conservative Christian institution, allegedly inspiring conservatives regarding what colleges should look like.
Hillsdale College offers almost no diversity
This institution has no gender studies or women studies, and there are no talks about race.
The resignation letter
Hillegass shared on his Twitter account: “I was hired at New College of Florida (my alma mater) immediately before Governor Desantis replaced the trustees and president to make it ‘The Hillsdale of the South.’ I just gave notice.”
The professor shared the letter
In the letter, the professor shared that Michigan school is “bad for America” since it “cultivates prejudice” against minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and non-Christians. The professor stated, “When a governor guts the leadership of a state school to make a facsimile of Hillsdale, that is fascism.” He explained it is the “banal fascism” that always foregoes the “Kristallnacht-style fascism.”
The professor’s startling allegations
It further said that this is now an experiment, adding that if it becomes successful, the academic freedom of each state school will be in “peril.” Though he said he loved New College, “for the good of our nation,” the professor hoped “the school fails miserably and conspicuously.”
He confirmed the news for the media
Talking to Newsweek, Hillegass explained that he quit because “it had become a tool of the far right, and I believed it would do damage to our nation.” He added that many Floridians disagree with his politics, but when “experienced people like me walk away, red states will have a difficult time creating a modern workforce.”
Social media reactions
A Reddit poster shared, “DeSantis will wear this resignation like a medal.” Another wrote, “Ron DeSantis is a testament to why ivy league educations are not always foolproof.”
People did not spare DeSantis
Someone shared, “Is the college director wrong? A spade is a spade.” Another chimed in, “It’s to sound a warning so everyone is alerted to what DeSantis is up to in Florida.”
Many had different ideas
One person shared, “College administrators shouldn’t resign. They will be replaced by fascists. Make them fire you.” Another said that the proper headline would be “Ron DeSantis is a Fascist,” to which a person replied, “Call it out. Public shaming has power.”
Some had questions
Another Reddit user asked, “What is the GOPs game plan? Are they actually trying to make the country into a fascist regime?” Another pondered, “Isn’t the inherent goal of a Christian college to indoctrinate as opposed to educate?”
A person who attended the college shared their experience
One person wrote how their days at New College looked like: “I went there. It was a wonderful bastion of friendliness, kindness, and open-mindedness. We partied all night, we studied hard during the day. We debated with our professors and fellow students. We were challenged, and it was everything a college education should be.” They concluded, “I weep for what that evil man wants to make of that beautiful school.”
More From BuzzLoving
See a grandma refuse to return a baby to her son: “It’s not kidnapping, I’m her grandma”: Grandma Refuses To Return Her Grandchild
Bouncer Catches Evil Man Putting Drugs in Young Woman’s Drink and Takes Matters into His Own Hands
A bouncer revealed how he caught a guy who was using illegal substances to make young women his prey: Bouncer Catches Evil Man Putting Drugs in Young Woman’s Drink and Takes Matters into His Own Hands
20 Irresistible Traits That Define a TRUE Manly Man
Discover 20 must-have characteristics that distinguish a truly manly man and see how many of them you or your man possess: 20 Irresistible Traits That Define a True Manly Man
Mother Brought Her Dead Toddler To Daycare, Acting Like He Was Sleeping
A TikTok user shared a disturbing story about a mom who brought a dead child into daycare: Mother Brought Her Dead Toddler To Daycare, Acting Like He Was Sleeping
Source: Reddit