In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of library books, including many on LGBTQ+ topics and religious studies, have allegedly been discarded in a dumpster at the Jane Bancroft Cook Library on the campus of New College of Florida. The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage among students and activists who claim it is an attack on free speech and academic freedom.

The books in question were part of the now-defunct Gender and Diversity Center (GDC) collection. Reports indicate that a vehicle was seen driving away with the books before students could be notified. Some books were later recovered by local activists from the SEE Alliance and a few students before they could be disposed of.

Traditionally, New College of Florida allowed students the opportunity to purchase books that were being removed from the library collection. However, in this case, it seems that the disposal caught many off guard, with students claiming they were not informed about the availability of the GDC books.

New College spokesperson, Nathan March, countered the outcry by stating that the disposal was part of a routine "weeding" process conducted by the college to remove outdated materials. March insisted that the images of the dumpster filled with books are a result of this standard procedure.

Furthermore, March referred to Florida Statute 273, which he claimed hindered the donation or sale of these books. However, further examination of FS 273 suggests that the college could have indeed donated or sold the books to other entities, including nonprofit agencies or through a public sale.

March also suggested that many of the books may have been damaged by water from a previous storm. While it remains unclear how many books were affected, video evidence did show some books displaying visible water damage.

In an unexpected twist, it was revealed that the GDC books were moved to a location behind the library, which is typically used for book returns. This move was supposedly prompted by the fact that no one claimed the books when they were previously housed in the Hamilton Center. However, with New College's move-in day still weeks away, most students were not present on campus to be informed about the availability of the books.

The disposal of the library books has drawn condemnation from various quarters. Amy Reid, Chair of New College of Florida Faculty and Gender Studies, expressed shock and equated throwing away books with throwing away democracy. Natalia Benavides, a fourth-year student, managed to salvage several GDC books and questioned officials about the possibility of donation, only to be told that state statute prohibited it.

Following the Herald-Tribune's report on the incident, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida released a statement strongly condemning the disposal of books on New College's campus. They labeled it an intentional act of censorship, directly undermining free speech and academic freedom.

As the controversy intensifies, voices demanding transparency and accountability are growing louder. The fate of the discarded books and the actions taken by New College of Florida administration will undoubtedly continue to be scrutinized as concerns over the protection of intellectual freedom persist.