Florida Board of Education votes on guidelines on bathrooms, pronouns

Further restrictions in and out of the classroom could negatively impact LGBTQ students going into the school year. Following the approval of several amendments and a new rule at a Wednesday Florida Board of Education meeting.

Three amendments and one new rule lay out further guidelines to align with recently passed legislation. Related to the use of bathrooms, classroom instruction and admission of minors to adult performances.

Two additional amendments address educators specifically. While two others detail guidelines for how districts must treat LGBTQ students who wish to go. By a different name or use a bathroom that does not match their sex assigned at birth.

And a new rule touched on extracurricular activities and events. Barring districts from taking students to or hosting “adult live performances” — something both those for. And against the rule believed would pertain specifically to drag performances.

“We’re fortunate to live in a state that is not forcing our teachers and students to recognize. An individual’s pronouns in a classroom setting that (are) opposite of the individual’s biological sex at birth,”. Said Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr.It’s important here in Florida that we fight for truth and sanity. Today will be another step in that direction.

Diaz was not present for most of the meeting held in Orlando, and multiple board members called in remotely.

How students are affected

House Bill 1521, which went into effect July 1, already requires that restrooms. And changing rooms in publicly owned buildings, including schools. Must be segregated by sex assigned at birth if a unisex option is unavailable. An amendment approved Wednesday provides updated language related to K-12 education. Aligning with this law and strikes through previous requirements for restrooms and changing facilities in schools.

The amendment requires that school districts and charter schools update their student codes of conduct. Create punishments for those who don’t comply and certify to the Department of Education. That all of their schools are in compliance. Additionally, districts will be required to create disciplinary procedures for employees. Who violate the law or the Principles of Professional Conduct for the Education Profession.

Each district must fill out a form provided by the Department of Education that certifies that they have either unisex. Restrooms and facilities or restrooms and facilities segregated by sex. They must also certify that the student code of conduct has been updated to. Include language designating bathrooms by sex assigned at birth and laying out punishments for those who break the rules. Districts must submit the form to the Department of Education by April 1, 2024.

Those in favor of the amendment argued that it would “let kids be kids”. A phrase repeated throughout the hours-long meeting — and that it would keep girls safe.