A final assignment given to students enrolled in an introductory level ethics course at the University of Florida suggested exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion, critical race theory, and other leftist ideologies through the performance of puppet shows and interpretive dances, according to a tip received through Young America’s Foundation’s Campus Bias Tip Line.
The stated goal of the “capstone project” was to “explore the ethical dimensions of higher education policy in Florida by reflecting on your vision of higher education reform.”
The professor’s instructions stated, “you can focus on DEI and CRT or address other issues related to higher education, such as proposals for free college tuition, forgiveness of loans, teaching and research issues raised by specific academic disciplines, or challenges posed by new technology.”
It’s not exactly clear how these projects would turn out, logistically speaking. How does one dance in a way that demonstrates a “need” for critical race theory reforms in higher education? Or perform a puppet show calling for the burden of student debt to be shifted onto American taxpayers? It may be possible, sure, but it’s not clear what educational value is being gained.
In addition to the options of performing a puppet show or an interpretive dance, students were also given the option to create a poster, documentary film, art installation, podcast, or something else with the instructor’s approval.
According to the course syllabus posted on Professor Anna Peterson’s website, she focused on discussing the “#MeToo movement,” “economic inequality,” the climate, race, and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” issues with her students throughout the semester.
The misleading course title, “Ethics and the Public Sphere,” doesn’t sound as if it would be a leftist indoctrination course, but it certainly is.
According to Peterson’s curriculum vitae, she is the author of “The Left and the Reign of God,” published in Rethinking Marxism, “The Zoological Marx,” published by a socialist academic organization, and “Ideas, Activism, and Social Change,” among other works.
It’s abundantly clear that this course deals with the subject of ethics exclusively from a leftist lens.
The student who submitted this tip to Young America’s Foundation took the course last semester, but noted that it is offered and taught by the same professor every semester.
“Unfortunately I am not surprised yet another University of Florida professor is pushing DEI and CRT in the classroom,” Caitlyn McCoy, chairwoman of Young Americans for Freedom at UF, told the New Guard. “Our institutions need to focus on educating students on how to think, not what to think.”
Earlier this month, the university released a statement condemning another one of its professor’s assignments exposed by the New Guard – students were given a chance to earn academic credit for declaring their pronouns on the institution’s online learning portal.
The New Guard has contacted the University of Florida and Peterson for comment regarding this matter, but has yet to hear back.
