Library Dean at Florida College Placed on Leave Following Disposal of Numerous LGBTQ+ Books

The dean of the library at a college in Florida, which has undergone changes by state Republicans and their supporters, has been put on administrative leave following the disposal of hundreds of books, many of which addressed LGBTQ+ topics, in a landfill last week.

A representative confirmed on Monday to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune that Shannon Hausinger, the dean of the library at New College of Florida, has been placed on administrative leave.

The disposal of books and the leave of absence for Hausinger are the latest occurrences at New College, a small liberal arts institution in Sarasota that has experienced significant changes over the past year as Gov. Ron DeSantis has spearheaded an effort to transform the school into the “Hillsdale College of the South,” in reference to a conservative Christian liberal arts school in Michigan.

Following the departure of many students and long-serving faculty to other schools, new leadership was introduced at New College. The newly appointed board decided to end the gender studies program, prompting DeSantis to praise the college as “the first public university to resist gender indoctrination.”

In a dumpster behind the Jane Bancroft Cook Library on Aug. 13, numerous books were observed overflowing. The images and videos of the large pile of books, many of which addressed LGBTQ+ subjects and religious studies, generated immediate criticism and widespread media attention.

In addition to disposing of the library books, New College also got rid of materials from the now-closed Gender and Diversity Center – a student-maintained library featuring books on various topics like the LGBTQ+ community, Black narratives, and women’s issues. Among the discarded books were titles such as “Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate”, “The War of the Worlds”, and “When I Knew,” a collection of personal stories from LGBTQ+ individuals recalling their realization of their sexual orientation.

Specifics about Hausinger’s leave, including the cause and duration, were not clearly stated as of Monday afternoon. Her LinkedIn profile indicated that she had been with New College since February 2024.

Nathan March, a spokeperson for New College of Florida, stated that Hausinger’s absence was due to the discovery that the library did not adhere to all state administrative protocols during the routine disposal of materials.

Although it is uncertain which particular state requirements were not followed, New College’s initial statement referenced Florida Statute 273 as a rationale for the disposal over donation of books. Nonetheless, the statute permits the college to donate or sell excess books.

Footage and pictures from the book disposal event on Thursday afternoon have circulated widely on the internet, receiving millions of views on social media and extensive coverage by the national media.

In a message sent on Monday afternoon to the college’s students, faculty, and staff, New College President Richard Corcoran acknowledged the public’s discontent and worry over the book disposal incident and criticized the media’s reporting on the matter.

“Regrettably, many reports have been exaggerated, catering to the narratives of our detractors,” Corcoran remarked. “While the sight of numerous books in a dumpster is less than ideal, it is crucial to comprehend that the disposal of materials is a necessary procedure in libraries, ensuring that our inventory remains pertinent, current, and in good shape for the benefit of our community.”