Florida professors cite fear of state politicians on campus

By MIKE SCHNEIDER
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — University of Florida professors say fear of upsetting state politicians pervades the campus to the point that race-related references have been edited out of course materials. They also complain that faculty members have been restricted from participating in outside activities that challenge the priorities of the governor’s administration. That’s according to a new faculty report released this week. The report was prepared for the school’s Faculty Senate. It says professors and researchers are reluctant to speak out about university efforts to restrict research or offer unpopular viewpoints out of fear of retaliation, losing their jobs or other punishment. University spokeswoman Hessy Fernandez said Tuesday that the school had no comment on the report.