Florida wants universities to post all syllabi online: Does transparency threaten academic freedom?
Florida university leaders are considering a proposal that would require public colleges to post detailed syllabi online, including textbooks, instructional materials, and readings for most courses. The initiative is part of a broader effort led by Governor Ron DeSantis and the state’s GOP supermajority to reshape higher education across Florida.Supporters say the policy aims to increase transparency and accountability, giving students access to course materials before registering. They argue that posting full syllabi can help students make informed decisions, determine transfer credits, and ensure professors meet academic standards.Proposal would expand existing syllabus requirementsAt present, Florida universities require some course information to be publicly available, such as curriculum goals, objectives, and expectations for students. The proposed changes from the state Board of Governors would extend these requirements to include full syllabi, with a minimum posting deadline of 45 days before classes begin. Certain courses, including directed individual studies, internships, thesis and dissertation defences, and performance-based classes, would be exempt.The Board of Governors said the aim is to “provide greater transparency for students and to allow them to make informed decisions prior to course registration,” as quoted by the Politico. Supporters reference similar measures in Georgia, where University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said posting syllabi can “show our commitment to transparency and accountability,” as reported by the Politico.Faculty express concerns over scrutiny and academic freedomSeveral professors have raised concerns that the policy could expose them to political and ideological scrutiny. Robert Cassanello, president of the United Faculty of Florida union, told the Politico, “What they want is to sort of unleash the online mob on certain faculty.” Faculty are worried that the rule could restrict academic freedom and make professors targets for harassment.Some faculty members also questioned the 45-day posting requirement, noting that new research might be published during a semester. This could limit their ability to update readings and potentially affect the quality of instruction, as reported by the Politico. Professors additionally pointed out that some contracts begin less than 45 days before the semester, making compliance difficult.Comparisons with Texas and DEI restrictionsThe Florida move follows similar actions in Texas, where six public university systems reviewed syllabi and course descriptions after a Texas A&M University professor taught a lesson on gender identity in children’s literature. That incident resulted in the professor’s dismissal and administrative changes, as reported by the Politico.Florida’s proposal is part of broader measures under Governor DeSantis to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spending in public universities. A 2024 law required a review of general education courses and banned expenditures tied to DEI initiatives. Faculty concerns often intersect with the potential impact on courses addressing gender, race, or diversity.Implementation and next stepsOriginally, the proposal would have required professors to post assignments online as well, but the Board of Governors removed that requirement. State colleges could still adopt a rule including assignments, under development by the Florida Department of Education. State Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas told the Politico, “To the extent we can provide the greatest level of transparency to students, I’d advocate for that.”Universities would determine timelines for updates during the semester. Emily Sikes, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, said in conversation with the Politico, “As there are changes to syllabi, those get updated and included in the repository that’s posted online, just so future students can have that information.” The Board of Governors may consider the rule as soon as November 5.Could this boost transparency or threaten academic freedom?The proposed policy would make syllabi widely accessible, offering students a clear view of course expectations and materials. At the same time, faculty concerns highlight potential risks to academic freedom and the possibility of external political or ideological pressure. The measure illustrates the ongoing tension between openness in higher education and the protection of professors’ autonomy.
