Tuesday's letters: Conservative assault on New College threatens tradition
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New board spells end of college innovation
Gov. Ron DeSantis has decided that New College − the school from which my husband and I both received bachelor’s degrees in the 1970s − must go.
The governor has decided that the school he caricatures as under the spell of “trendy” left-wing ideologies, such as “critical race theory” and “diversity, equity and inclusion” policies, must become a place where some of the state’s best and brightest are educated in “the classics.”
Story:DeSantis seeks to transform Sarasota's New College
The governor, who is out of touch with what it means to be a scholar of “the classics” in the 21st century, has appointed board members who will form a new majority charged to transform the school into a place that can no longer hold its head high as a peer in a community of the nation’s finest liberal arts colleges.
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The New College tradition stands for innovation, faculty engagement, student freedom and moral independence.
It is unfortunate that New College President Patricia Okker has not responded publicly (so far) to the assault on academic freedom and diversity with outrage or even consternation. This test of her leadership should be the fight of her life and not a political capitulation.
Dr. Anita L. Allen, Haverford, Pennsylvania
Hands off New College, governor
In his second inaugural address, Gov. Ron DeSantis said, “… We must ensure that our institutions of learning are focused on academic excellence and the pursuit of truth …”
Since it was created in 1960, New College of Florida has been doing exactly that. In the latest U.S. News & World Report Education Rankings, New College ranks fifth nationwide among top public schools and 76th among national liberal arts colleges. It also tied for 40th among the most innovative schools.
Given New College’s success and prestige, not only in Florida but nationwide, it is clear that DeSantis’ naming six far-right board members who want to turn it into a conservative institution where politicians call the shots could spell serious trouble ahead for perhaps the best college in the state and one of the better colleges in the country.
More:Conservatives take over New College board
You stick to politics, Ron, and leave educating to the educators!
Alan Dee, Sarasota
Englewood Hospital's many accomplishments
I have been privileged to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees for HCA Florida Englewood Hospital for six years. For the past three years, I have served as the chairperson.
As my tenure ends, I want to reflect with gratitude on the outstanding accomplishments of the providers, nurses, other caregivers and leaders in the face of significant challenges over the past few years.
Englewood Hospital has just completed a $10 million renovation to its Emergency Department, increasing patient care areas from eight to 18.
It has also opened HCA Florida Wellen Park Medical Office in the third-fastest-growing master-planned community in the nation.
The hospital received its 21st consecutive "A" patient safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, and it is one of only two hospitals in Florida to achieve this milestone.
The hospital also introduced these new technologies:
► Mammography was upgraded to 3D images to improve comfort for patients and the clarity of images for physicians.
► Blue Light Cystoscopy, an innovative approach to identifying non-muscle invasive bladder cancer tumors, is now offered.
► Robotic Assisted surgery has allowed trained surgeons to perform more than 700 general and gynecological surgeries.
Providers, nurses and caregivers rose to the challenge of a pandemic by caring for nearly 800 patients with COVID-19. They again stepped up to protect and sustain exceptional care for patients during last year's historic hurricane.
The dedication to our patients, our communities and each other makes this a special place for health care.
Lori Wellbaum Emery, board chair, HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, Englewood
Stand up for the ‘wokeness’ of Jesus
I am “woke”! I believe in the truth of American history in all of its aspects – the good and the bad.
Today, I choose to stand against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ anti-woke movement. As for me and my house, the truth of woke will live in freedom of expression. Thank God for the “wokeness” of Jesus. He commanded his followers to be woke – to walk and live in the truth.
The most woke book in thousands of churches/synagogues, libraries and homes is the Bible. There is suffering, death, the slaughter of children, calamity, war, hunger, disease, slavery, sexual abuse, racism and antisemitism.
Justice, as set forth in the Scriptures, involves struggle, suffering and sacrifice. And, through it all, there is the amazing grace of God!
We should remember the words of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl, who said the following: "The point is not what we expect from life, but rather what life expects from us."
Doug McClaugherty, Sarasota
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Serious trouble ahead for New College, thanks to DeSantis
