Under a 2023 Florida law aimed at curbing foreign influence, New College of Florida terminated adjunct professor Kevin Wang, who taught Chinese language and culture. This decision has raised concerns over academic freedom and discriminatory practices against scholars of Chinese descent.

New College of Florida terminated the contract of Chinese professor and asylum seeker Kevin Wang on March 12, 2025, citing SB 846 which restricts hiring individuals from 'countries of concern'. The decision has raised concerns about academic freedom, discriminatory practices, and the broader shift toward authoritarian policies at the institution.

A state audit found multiple issues in New College of Florida’s financial operations, including overpayments to faculty and administrators, duplicate vendor payments, failure to collect student fees, and breaches of state-mandated salary caps. The report also noted that these practices involved violations of state law, prompting calls for stricter financial controls and improved accountability.

On October 3, 2023, the trustees of New College of Florida voted 10-2 to retain Richard Corcoran, a DeSantis ally with a political background, as president. This decision is part of a broader conservative transformation led by Governor Ron DeSantis, which has involved scrapping DEI initiatives, firing the previous president, and denouncing tenure for some professors.

The U.S. Department of Education has initiated a civil rights investigation into New College of Florida following a complaint that alleges disability discrimination, hostile treatment of LGBTQ students, and dismantling of diversity initiatives after Governor DeSantis-appointed trustees restructured the board.

Students and professors at New College of Florida have filed a lawsuit arguing that a recent state law censors academic freedom, following a politically motivated takeover of the college's board by conservative trustees and the appointment of an interim president. The move, driven by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies, is seen as an effort to impose far‑right values on the institution, endanger progressive curricula, and undermine protections for marginalized communities.

Professors, students, and affiliated groups have initiated a lawsuit challenging Florida’s SB 266, which restricts academic freedom by banning instruction on topics such as identity politics, systemic racism, and critical historical perspectives. The legal challenge highlights New College of Florida's longstanding reputation for fostering free inquiry and safeguarding marginalized voices despite political pressures from conservative state authorities.

Students and professors at New College of Florida filed a lawsuit against Florida education officials and NCF trustees, contesting a new law that restricts spending on diversity programs, curbs tenure security, and prohibits teaching identity politics. The suit alleges that these measures censor academic freedom, reflecting an authoritarian shift following a conservative takeover by Governor DeSantis’ allies.

Amid a significant faculty turnover where 36 faculty positions are in flux, New College of Florida is undergoing a leadership shakeup. The appointment of conservative trustees by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the subsequent replacement of former President Patricia Okker with interim President Richard Corcoran have raised concerns over political interference in academic governance.