Debates about college curriculum have been swinging like a pendulum for decades, from Common Core standards to critical race theory, with each side accusing the other of indoctrination or censorship.
But Florida’s new general education regulations don’t just tilt the pendulum. They cut the rope entirely.
And these changes could be implemented at USF as soon as fall 2026.
The USF Board of Trustees reviews and approves general education courses every year.
But this year, USF had to invest even more time than usual making sure its general education courses for the 2026-27 academic year complied with Florida Statutes 1007.24, 1007.25 and 1007.55, according to USF BOT meeting minutes.
Florida Statute 1007.25 bans general education courses that are “based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political and economic inequities.”
Related: USF prepares for major changes to gen ed curriculum by 2026
General education courses are often where students are able to explore interests outside of their major and gain relevant credits for classes they would not take otherwise.
When ideological limits are imposed on these classes, students are missing out on the opportunity to hear important perspectives.
This is silencing an opposing political narrative disguised as educational reform.
The USF BOT approved 23 out of 61 new general education course proposals in August.
The 38 courses that were not approved can still be taught at USF, but they will not be considered general education courses, according to the USF BOT meeting minutes.
USF’s new general education courses still have to receive final approval from the Florida Board of Governors.
New and unique classes at USF could range from The Life Worth Living, which explores what a life well lived would look like, to Epidemics and Pandemics in World History, which examines the impact of these events.
These new and creative courses should be celebrated, but the removal of the ability to explore topics of systemic inequality within general education undermines the excitement around new courses.
Related: OPINION: USF students need better guidance on pricey gen eds
USF’s mission is to “foster intellectual inquiry and outcomes that positively shape the future,” according to its website.
This mission becomes harder when there are limitations around what is acceptable intellectual inquiry in general education courses.
Removing contested issues from these courses shields students from complexity rather than preparing them to think critically or engage in intellectual inquiry.
The Florida Department of Education defines general education courses as a way to create “informed citizens” who will “preserve the constitutional republic through traditional, historically accurate and high-quality coursework,” according to its website.
Therefore, general education courses should provide an opportunity to explore interests and understand the constitutional republic in which we live.
To limit the content of these courses doesn’t increase educational freedom — it inherently limits it.
