It's not too late for DeSantis to do what's right for New College

As a man who has been privileged and blessed to attend two of the most acclaimed universities in our nation, Gov. Ron DeSantis might be expected to appreciate academic excellence.

New College of Florida has been recognized, since its first graduating class in 1967, as a premier institution – and it is the honors college of the State University System of Florida. I can attest to quality of the education provided by New College of Florida: After graduating as a member of its first class, I attained a doctorate of philosophy degree in theological studies at Oxford University and was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church.

In addition, one of my sons went on from New College to graduate from the University of Florida's Law School and enjoys a distinguished career as an officer in the JAG Corps of the U.S. Air Force.

Both of us join with those in every class of New College to give thanks for the quality of our professors, and for the school's creative and innovative environment.

One necessity for innovation is encouragement to think “outside the box” and to be a catalyst for change. And it is understandable why the majority is sometimes slow to perceive the need for such apparent rebelliousness to the status quo.

But Gov. DeSantis is entrusted with the authority and responsibility to recognize the innate value of a variety of opinions and viewpoints. And it is clear that our country is now in dire need of more than tolerance of those who look, act or think differently than our “norm.”

If DeSantis is ambitious enough to lead an even more diverse people than in this state, it would be a remarkable sign of leadership for him to display a spirit more gracious than tolerance. What might be possible if we cherish our differences and seek to learn from minorities who disagree with us – as we were taught at New College?

It may be too late for the governor to reverse course from the brutal intervention he has undertaken by interfering with the life of Florida’s precious New College and decapitating its leadership. But perhaps it is still possible for him to set an example of leading with humility by admitting it is better to restore the college’s historic independence.  The governor could yet emulate the genius of the great Abraham Lincoln – a leader who was willing to put together a presidential Cabinet that included his erstwhile rivals and enemies.

I urge the governor to open his mind and heart to the possibility of being a champion of the rights of minorities to differ from the tyranny of the majority. What if he led the majority instead of being led by them? This course differs from the conventional wisdom of politics, but history has shown it is the better path to take.

The Rev. Dennis Kezar retired as an Episcopal priest after serving in the Diocese of Southwest Florida for 52 years, including 25 years as rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Bradenton. He resides in Naples.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Gov. DeSantis still has time to do what's right for New College