Although Tessa Barber is a politics and international affairs doctoral student at USF, she started in college as a biology major. 

When Barber took general education courses in anthropology, political science and English, she decided to change her career path.

“Despite my skepticism, it was those classes, the ones outside my intended discipline, that I was only able to take because of general education requirements, that changed my life,” Barber said.

Barber was one of the 13 participants in a speak-out against Senate Bill (SB) 266, which added restrictions to general education courses and went into effect in July 2023.

The United Faculty of Florida (UFF), a union representing faculty and graduate assistants in Florida higher education, hosted the speak-out on Monday.

Related: USF to remove courses on systemic racism, oppression theories from gen ed curriculum

SB 266 caused changes in Florida statute 1007.25, which states classes “based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States” will no longer be allowed on the general education curriculum.

UFF President Teresa Hodge said the statute gives the Board of Governors (BOG) the authority to remove courses that teach “the truth of America’s history.”

“An educated and free-thinking citizenry is an antidote to authoritarian overreach and fascist tendencies,” Hodge said. 

Each Florida state university has already reviewed its general education course offerings, removed the ones that don’t comply with the statute’s requirements and sent a revised list to the BOG.

On Thursday, BOG’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee will vote to approve or reject the lists sent by each university – including USF’s.

If approved, the lists will be sent to the entire board for deliberation, and the removed courses will be offered in the 2025-26 academic year as general electives.

The BOG meeting agenda states cutting some classes as general education requirement options will ensure students take courses that “promote and preserve the constitutional republic through traditional, historically accurate and high-quality coursework.”

Related: USF students oppose proposal to remove sociology as general education requirement

Marsilla Gray is a USF graduate assistant and a National Institutes of Health fellow in medical sciences. Gray shared her concerns regarding restrictions on natural science general education courses at the speak-out.

Gray said she chose to study medicine to end the separation of science and humanities. Having a solid understanding of both is what leads to “empathetic and well-rounded” scientists and physicians, she said.

“I am deeply concerned for future doctors who will continue their education not understanding the biological basis of identity or the social determinants of healthcare disparities,” Gray said. 

Gray said it is “insulting” for the BOG to “insinuate” students and educators can’t make decisions for themselves, which shows “distrust.”

Barber, who is also a graduate assistant at USF, said she is scared for the future of undergraduate students.

“I’m scared that they won’t be able to develop their personhood and that they won’t be free to speak their minds or freely exchange ideas with their peers,” Barber said. “I’m scared that they won’t be free to learn.”

By “restricting” students and faculty to share ideas in college, the BOG is “suffocating” freedom in Florida, Barber said.

Related: USF faculty sue BOG, BOT over law banning arbitration in employment disputes

Jeniah Jones, a professor of pre-collegiate studies at Florida State College at Jacksonville, said students should be free to determine which classes best fit their career goals.

“If we continue down our current path of restricting access to diverse learning and disciplines, we will soon find it to be an error that will prove detrimental to this great state our workforce and our economy,” Jones said. 

Marie-Claire Leman is a public education advocate and the parent of a recent UF graduate. Leman said “expert educators” should have the final decision on course offerings because they are the ones who “best understand” students’ curricular needs.

“I’m concerned that the growing tendency to undermine the roles and responsibilities of university professors will diminish the learning and development opportunities of our youth,” Leman said.

UFF President Hodge asked all speak-out attendees to send a letter to the BOG before Thursday’s meeting. The more letters the BOG receives, the more likely its members will “listen and perhaps even do the right thing,” she said.

“Let’s keep this momentum going,” Hodge said. “Let’s continue to stand up, let’s continue to speak out and let’s continue to fight for what’s right.” 

The BOG has not answered The Oracle’s request for comment at the time of publication.