New College official offers lame excuse for divisive takeover of school

Rotten academia? Justifying NCF takeover

Some students and faculty in the U.S. have made big news by supporting Palestinian pleas in the Israel-Hamas war. New College of Florida official Bruce Abramson seized upon that to conclude that “our finest universities have become enemies of civilization.”

Wow. This is logic from an “educator”?

But it plays into Abramson's narrative as he leverages that thought to justify a takeover of the education system, starting with New College, to “reclaim academia” with a morality code as defined by himself.

Was Abramson's moral code not offended by the Jan. 6 destruction at the Capitol or by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ commitment to pardon the rioters? Or by DeSantis’ silence regarding the neo-Nazis who paraded outside the Tampa conference where the governor was speaking?

“Academic institutions committed to true higher education do not offer protection from ideas,” writes Abramson. “To the contrary, they relish spirited argumentation, debate and persuasion.”

Meanwhile, DeSantis bans books, minimizes the lingering impact of slavery in the U.S., attacks the free press, singles out the LGBTQ community for harassment, overrules the public’s vote and puts academic freedom in handcuffs.

Apparently, all the above illustrate how Abramson intends to “reclaim academia.”

Virgil Pope, Parrish

No peace without new leadership

As an Armenian American, I understand Andrea May Sahouri’s frustration (“I’m Palestinian American. I watch in frustration as we’re dehumanized,” Oct. 20). The atrocities perpetrated against Armenians at the hands of the Ottoman Empire are part of our history.

What we have once again are leaders who refuse to compromise. In 75 years, no one has been able to work out a two-state solution. The Ottoman Turks had no patience for a race of Christians among them. Palestinian leadership has exhibited the same against the Jews.

Write to us: How to send a letter to the editor

With no willingness for compromise from Israeli or Palestinian leadership, there is no hope for any peace. Both sides have to elect better leadership for any hope of a lasting, peaceful solution.

Bob Rustigian, Bradenton

Too many remain silent about terrorism

In response to Bruce Abramson’s guest column Oct. 22, it’s interesting that he finds fault with academics, scholars, etc., for having a hard time condemning the Hamas terrorists’ attack on Israel –yet he omits the fact that many corporations, chambers of commerce and other large organizations fall into that same category.

(Abramson is executive director of New Student and Graduate Admissions at NCF.)

It’s sad that terrorists have so much support in this country. Note that Richard Corcoran, New College president, has not condemned the terrorists.

More: Richard Corcoran may be the president of New College, but Grace Keenan is its conscience

Florida’s university system has been downgraded but this is due to, among other things, restricting how Black history is taught, dropping diversity and inclusion standards and limiting the freedoms of the LGBTQ community.

New College was not a “sports” university but a nationally ranked liberal arts school that is being turned into a mediocre school accepting students with lower academic records and athletic abilities.

Alan Levin, Sarasota

President keeps his cool in conflict

President Joe Biden and his team have been working the phones talking to world leaders, discussing the complex issues of the Middle East. There was no drama, no angry tweets, just Biden doing what we hired him to do.

On Oct. 22, Biden released a joint statement with leaders from France, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy condemning the Hamas attack in Israel. The statement went on to say that while Palestinians may have legitimate grievances with Israel, terrorism is unacceptable.

It is worth noting that Biden also found time to willingly sit for a deposition with Department of Justice attorneys investigating the classified documents found in Biden’s Delaware home.

These are difficult times. While House Republicans can’t even organize their caucus to elect a leader, Biden keeps his cool and works for all of us.

Ruth Volpe, Port Charlotte

Nothing unclear about abortion initiative

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody's column Oct. 9, “Initiative on abortion seeks to mislead Florida’s voters,” seems motivated by politics more than concern over voters' confusion.

The ballot title is, “Amendment to Limit Government Interference with Abortion.” It’s very clear. The purpose is to ensure that women have the right to make their own decisions about pregnancy without interference from legislators, judges and politicians.

It’s not about ramifications, or scientific or medical data. It’s about a woman’s right to choose. If you believe in God, you believe he gave us free will.

Petition signers know exactly what they’re voting for, and they don’t need politicians to inform the Florida Supreme Court about any "confusion."

Sally Coler, Sarasota

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Conservative takeover of New College defies logic, common sense