Congressman Buchanan helped save New College’s independence | Letter to the editor

Let’s give credit where credit is due. Congressman Vern Buchanan played a key role in the successful effort to maintain New College of Florida’s Independence. It was Congressman Buchanan who held a press conference on the campus of New College to denounce the state legislature’s rush to merge New College of Florida with the Florida State University some 300 miles away. Congressman Buchanan also met with Governor Ron DeSantis to make the case for New College’s educational mission and rallied the community in support of this local treasure.

I understand the need to reduce costs, but we need to consider the value of New College. New College is ranked among the nation’s best liberal arts colleges by US News and World Report. New College produces an inordinate number of Fulbright Scholars. Many of its graduates go on to prestigious graduate programs and leadership roles in our country.

Thank you, Congressman Buchanan, for fighting for New College’s Independence. I know we can count on you as we continue to preserve this special school for its students and our community.

Frank J. Hedy

Sarasota

This story was originally published March 9, 2020 at 11:52 AM with the headline "Congressman Buchanan helped save New College’s independence | Letter to the editor."