Higher education institutions are expected to freely engage in teaching, research, and public debate. However, global tolerance for critical voices from academia has declined in recent years. In the U.S., particularly in Florida, this trend has intensified under conservative populist leadership. This chapter highlights the broader restriction of academic freedom, focusing on efforts to silence academic voices in Florida. The state legislature has introduced abusive and restrictive laws targeting “woke culture” and “divisive concepts”, effectively banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory, gender identity, sexual orientation, and the historical marginalisation of African Americans. These laws are enforced through warnings and even job termination. Despite pressures, resistance has emerged from academics, media organisations, human rights groups, and professional associations. Some legal challenges have successfully blocked certain bills. The chapter underscores the growing politicisation of education and the struggle to preserve academic freedom despite ideological suppression.