Florida Education Board Enforces Separation of High School Sports Based on Biological Sex
The Florida High School Athletic Association will only allow students to participate in sports based on their biological sex, not their gender identity, as the State Board of Education reaffirmed its position on Wednesday. This policy protects the integrity of women and girls in athletics.
Manny Diaz Jr., the commissioner of education, expressed gratitude to the State Board of Education for taking strong action on crucial issues today, particularly for women and girls.
“Florida will never sacrifice the health, security, or welfare of our teachers or children. We firmly believe in doing what is right, whether it pertains to school safety or the honor of athletics.
The Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) revised bylaws for the 2024–2025 academic year were overwhelmingly accepted by the board. According to their biological sex at birth, students will compete in athletics, according to the rule.
The board stated that the regulation “preserves fair opportunities for female athletes” and that it is compliant with the Florida Department of Education and the policies of Governor Ron DeSantis. It also pointed out how the ruling stands in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s alleged attack on Title IX protections for women and girls in favor of transgender individuals, as Florida critics have put it.
In April, Diaz reiterated Florida’s position to heads of charter schools and state superintendents, saying that no “educational educational institution should begin implementing any such changes until further notice.”
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Regarding the U.S. Department of Education’s modifications to Title IX, Florida has since filed a federal lawsuit against it.
According to the press release, “the Board’s action is consistent with Florida’s fight against the Biden administration’s attempt to make radical changes to Title IX protections affecting women and girls, effective August 1, 2024.” “If successful, gender identity will be incorporated into the definition of “sex,” rendering the federal anti-discrimination law’s long-standing application of biological sex meaningless.”
By upgrading its standards for school safety, the board also underlined its commitment to safeguarding staff, teachers, and students. HB 1473, which addresses campus access restriction, is directly reflected in the guidelines.
Representatives Dana Trabulsy (R-Fort Pierce) and Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland) sponsored HB 1473. Then, in May, DeSantis gave it his approval.
The bill modifies many different aspects of school safety regulations. These consist of classrooms, entry points, gates, and instructional areas that will stay closed and locked when students are on campus.
The first five days of school must also include age-appropriate teaching in FortifyFL, a tool for reporting suspicious activities, according to the law. It also calls for clearly labeling every classroom and instructional area as the “safest area.”
Additionally, every public and charter school must undergo an unannounced compliance check every three years by the Florida Department of Education’s Office of Safe Schools, in addition to the yearly inspections conducted by a School Safety Specialist.