This Massachusetts College Will Admit All New College of Florida Transfers

• New College of Florida students can apply on a rolling basis until Aug. 1.
• Hampshire College criticized Florida's "limits to intellectual exploration."
• All incoming transfers will have no tuition increase and must provide transcripts and aid awards.

Students looking to transfer from the New College of Florida can find a new home at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, for a matched tuition price.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in January uprooted New College's structure by appointing six handpicked appointees to the board of trustees. Many believe DeSantis is turning the small liberal arts college into the "Hillsdale of the South." Hillsdale College is a popular conservative school in Michigan.

After consulting with New College students, Hampshire this month invited that institution's students to transfer to Hampshire, where students can study "the urgent challenges of our time, without ideological limits imposed by the state."

"This opportunity is in response to the continuing attacks on New College of Florida intended to limit intellectual exploration, turn back progress toward inclusion, and curtail open discussion of race, injustice, and histories of oppression," Hampshire said in an announcement.

"By committing to impose a narrowly politicized curriculum on New College, the newly appointed trustees broke promises made to its current students to support a self-directed, rigorous education grounded in a commitment to free inquiry."

Students can transfer using the "New College of Florida Transfer Form" to apply on a rolling basis until Aug. 1. New College students who decide to transfer will retain all credits and see no tuition increases.

All transfer students must complete the Hampshire College Division III during senior year, a major independent project, and two advanced educational activities. Students must also provide official transcripts and copies of their most recent aid awards.

In its announcement, Hampshire condemned Florida's actions, saying "aggressive efforts" in the state are trying to suppress the examination of society, curb democratic ideals, and censor discussions on race and gender identity.

"We must reinforce higher education as a means to create a more equitable society, and resist threats intended to silence those who make visible the injustices embedded in our current structures, assumptions, and policies," according to Hampshire's announcement.

"Hampshire College believes we should use our influence and resources to help elevate communities that have been disadvantaged, to provide pathways to a better life and more just world."