(NEW YORK) — PEN America today expressed concern about the decision by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to intervene and halt a job search at the University of Florida for a new dean of its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, an action which was reportedly in direct response to a social media post. The search had four finalists who were collectively criticized by an anonymous blogger for their previous public statements about “DEI,” and that caught the attention of the governor’s communications director.
In response, WIlliam Johnson, Director of PEN America’s Florida Office, said:
“Academic hiring should be free from political interference. For the governor to exert such control over a university job search—and all because of a social media post, no less—is a deeply concerning example of overreach of power. This ideologically tinged micro-managing puts faculty and staff at the University of Florida on notice, and will continue to worsen the climate of fear and chilled speech on campuses. Florida’s leaders continue to make it clear that the state is closed to free speech.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582