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Looks like UF’s marketplace is closing to non-conservative ideas | Letters
Here’s what readers are saying in Friday’s letters to the editor.
 
A view of Library West at the center of the University of Florida campus in Gainesville.
A view of Library West at the center of the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. [ University of Florida ]
Published Aug. 12, 2022

Some marketplace of ideas

UF faculty survey shows a desire to leave, low confidence in leadership | Aug. 8

More than 70% of UF faculty who answered a survey do not trust Gov. Ron DeSantis or his supporters on the Board of Trustees to act in the University of Florida’s best interests, and a majority would leave if they could. UF, like all highly regarded universities, is a marketplace for ideas to be presented to and tested by students. In such a marketplace, students, faculty and instruction will naturally favor ideas supported by evidence over those without such support. But I don’t think the governor and his Board of Trustees supporters are content to let their “conservative” ideas compete. Instead, they attempt to force UF faculty to avoid presenting views “conservatives” don’t like by use of surveys and threats. So, academic freedom and free market of ideas principles fall by the wayside, and UF’s long-curated academic reputation will surely follow. I think it’s just one more example of DeSantis’ penchant for trying to squelch the First Amendment rights of those who disagree with his “conservative” ideas. Is this sort of idea repression really what Floridians want?

Jody Price, Safety Harbor

About that Fifth Amendment

Trump takes the Fifth Amendment | Aug. 11

I believe that former President Trump is still confusing truth with lies. He admits to having once asked, “If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?” Now he says you take it when you “have become the targets of an unfounded politically motivated Witch Hunt,” and he invoked it more than 500 times in a deposition about his businesses. So, if you’re innocent, why not answer the questions truthfully?

David Lubin, Tampa

The red wave is no joke

Governor, make that tweet sing and sting | Editorial, Aug. 11

I thought editorials were supposed to be written by adults expressing a viewpoint that is for or against a certain current topic. The Antichrist joke was tasteless even for a Times editorial. At any rate, your current governor, your next governor and a future president of the United States probably doesn’t read the online version of The Tampa Bay Times, and the midterms will be a red wave.

Scott Shimer, Land O’ lakes

Drop the mic

Governor, make that tweet sing and sting | Editorial, Aug. 11

This editorial is certainly one of the best tongue-in-cheek pieces ever written. Drop the mic, Times Editorial Board. You win.

N.L. Daugherty, St. Petersburg