Years ago, in an effort to make his introduction to the anthropology of religion course more appealing, Jean Muteba Rahier gave it a captivating title: Myth, Ritual, and Mysticism.

Today, Dr. Rahier, a professor at Florida International University in Miami, reflects on that decision, suspecting the title might have been too provocative for Florida’s educational environment. His course was recently flagged as containing “unproven, speculative, or exploratory content” and subsequently removed from the core curriculum that students must complete to graduate. This decision was part of a broader initiative, carried out by university trustees in September, to eliminate nearly two dozen courses from the core curriculum.

The sweeping removal of these courses stems from a state law passed last year aiming to limit “identity politics” in the curriculum. The law also bans core courses that “distort significant historical events” or promote theories that view systemic racism, sexism, oppression, or privilege as inherent in U.S. institutions.

Florida has become a testing ground for conservative efforts to reshape education, with policies targeting what Republican lawmakers deem “woke” indoctrination. Critics, including faculty and students, argue these changes infringe on university autonomy and diminish students’ exposure to diverse perspectives, which are essential for a comprehensive education. Academic freedom advocates fear this marks a calculated shift toward broader restrictions on educational content.

Rather than regulating professors’ speech—a legally fraught approach—the state is targeting entire courses. The implications could serve as a model for similar efforts in other Republican-led states, especially as President-elect Donald J. Trump has pledged to overhaul educational institutions he claims have been influenced by left-wing ideologies.

Florida isn’t alone. Earlier this year, the Wyoming Senate attempted to defund gender studies programs, although the measure failed in the House. At Texas A&M, the Board of Regents directed the elimination of “low-producing” programs, including an LGBTQ minor. Meanwhile, at the University of North Texas, administrators removed terms like “race” and “gender” from course titles, a move many faculty believe aligns with new laws banning diversity, equity, and inclusion offices.

At Florida International University, 22 courses slated for removal include those focused on social sciences, such as Introduction to East Asia, Intercultural/Interracial Communication, and Labor and Globalization. Over two dozen other courses were revised to comply with the law, part of a similar pattern across Florida’s public universities. Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of Florida’s State University System, emphasized that the final list of changes would be determined in January.

Dr. Katie Rainwater, a sociology professor whose course Sociology of Gender was marked for removal, questioned the role of universities in fostering free inquiry under such regulations. “When the state dictates what can be taught, we must ask if universities can still fulfill their societal purpose,” she said. Rodrigues dismissed these concerns, stating that the effort seeks to create a more “broad and foundational” general education system, facilitating credit transfers for community college students while addressing public skepticism about higher education.

Some conservative voices, like Scott Yenor from the Claremont Institute, support Florida’s actions, arguing they bring focus and purpose to bloated core curricula. However, professors like Dr. Rainwater warn of unintended consequences, such as declining enrollment in affected courses, which could justify cuts to entire programs.

Dr. Rahier’s anthropology course, once attracting over 100 students, was among the casualties. He criticized the decision-making process, describing it as being led by individuals unfamiliar with the academic terms they were evaluating. “In anthropology, myth is central to religion. Without it, there is no religious framework,” he explained.

Florida’s push to overhaul education reflects a shift from local controversies and free speech battles to a more calculated, administrative strategy. While some conservative policies face legal setbacks, such as portions of Florida’s Stop WOKE Act being deemed unconstitutional, others continue to reshape educational landscapes.

Tania Cepero López, an English instructor at Florida International University, offers a unique perspective as a conservative Republican voter and union leader. She expressed concerns about the chilling effect these policies have on academic freedom, drawing parallels to government interference she experienced in her native Cuba. “These decisions are made by people far removed from classrooms and students,” she said. “This is how indoctrination and censorship take root.”