New College of Florida to Host Extremist Writer Steve Sailer in Controversial Event
New College of Florida (NCF) is set to host a public event next month featuring Steve Sailer, a writer whose views have been described as “extremist,” “white supremacist,” and a “proponent of scientific racism.” The decision to invite Sailer has sparked a heated debate, particularly due to his controversial views on race. This event, presented by NCF, has garnered significant attention and controversy in light of Sailer’s past statements and writings.
Background on New College and Political Shifts
NCF has been in the headlines since January 2023, when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis vowed to overhaul the institution. Known for its liberal values, NCF is transforming into a more conservative institution under DeSantis’ guidance. A newly installed board of trustees, which includes right-wing culture warrior Christopher Rufo, appointed Richard Corcoran as the college’s president. Corcoran, a close ally of DeSantis, earns a $699,000 salary in his leadership role.
The reshaping of NCF has included the abolition of specific academic disciplines, tenure denials, and controversial campus changes, such as removing bathroom signage. These shifts have led to the departure of over one-third of the faculty, resulting in legal challenges. Despite the backlash, DeSantis’ efforts have been lauded by many within the “new right,” who see the U.S. higher education system as overly liberal and ripe for a conservative takeover.
Sailer’s Controversial Views
The invitation of Steve Sailer has sparked additional concerns due to his history of promoting discredited scientific claims about race. In his recently published anthology Noticing, Sailer offers a variety of essays that include statements linking an “African population explosion” to a “primal African cult of fertility.” His claims about “Blacks having higher average levels of violent crime and lower average levels of intelligence” have drawn widespread criticism for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Joseph L. Graves Jr., a professor of biology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been vocal in his criticism of Sailer’s perspectives, comparing his invitation to hosting someone advocating for flat-Earth theory. Graves argues that Sailer’s positions are not grounded in modern science, particularly regarding the complex nature of human genetic diversity. This criticism provides reassurance that there are voices speaking out against Sailer’s platforming.
A Controversial Event
Despite the outcry, NCF spokesperson Nathan March confirmed that the event is an official New College production. He stated, “Let me be clear: this is a New College event. We booked Mr. Sailer and [Wilfred] Reilly.” Wilfred Reilly, Sailer’s co-panelist and the author of Hate Crime Hoax, is a political science professor from Kentucky State University. Like Sailer, Reilly’s views have also drawn significant criticism.
The event, which will take place in NCF’s Sainer Auditorium, is being promoted by Sailer’s publisher, Passage Press. While NCF has embraced its hosting role, the institution faces rising criticism from faculty, students, and external groups.
Broader Implications for Academic Freedom
This event underscores the broader debate over academic freedom, free speech, and the boundaries of public discourse. Sailer’s views, widely criticized for promoting eugenics and scientific racism, have often been shunned by mainstream outlets but have found a home in far-right circles. His invitation to speak at an academic institution is likely to reignite debates over universities’ responsibility in curating their public events and the impact of platforming individuals with extremist views.
As NCF continues its transformation under the influence of Governor DeSantis and his allies, events like these highlight the clash between differing ideological visions for the future of higher education in the U.S.