(Excerpt from the Miami Herald)

• A controversial higher education bill that affects tenured faculty and changes the accreditation process for Florida universities is headed to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for signing, but not before Democratic lawmakers cautioned it would do more harm than good.
• The bill, SB 7044, would allow the state Board of Governors to implement a “comprehensive“ review every five years for tenured faculty, addressing their accomplishments, academic duties, evaluations, ratings and pay. It could also include “consequences for under performance.”
• The bill also would require universities to change accrediting agencies after an evaluation cycle and enable them to sue an accreditor for damages if they feel they are negatively impacted. Schools could return to a previous accreditor if they don’t meet the requirements of a new accreditor.
• The bill’s other provisions include requiring textbook lists to be posted at least 45 days in advance, and changes in the way universities share information on tuition and fees. It also calls for maintenance of the statewide course numbering system.