higher edcuation

A backlash is brewing in Florida higher education over a bill that could alter the way certain subjects are taught and discussed. It hasn't yet passed the legislature but is already roiling academia.

The Florida Senate is attempting to water down a bill that would have required the state’s public universities to get a new accreditor, effectively forcing them out from under the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

A bill moving through the Florida legislature would ban the state’s public colleges and universities from “shielding” students from free speech. Barney Bishop an advocate for the bill says students should hear diverse viewpoints from speakers on campus—even if it’s something that makes them uncomfortable.

The University of Florida and Florida State University remained ranked among the top 20 public universities in the country Monday, as U.S. News & World Report released annual ratings that have become a closely watched scorecard for colleges.

Florida will keep its 12 public universities—for now. Plans to merge Florida Polytechnic and New College of Florida into the University of Florida died…