March 28, 2024
Florida students, teachers, schools at center of revised ‘don't say gay' lawsuit

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Florida students, teachers, schools at center of revised ‘don't say gay' lawsuit

| 11/3/2022

Florida students, teachers, schools at center of revised ‘don't say gay' lawsuit

After a federal judge rejected an earlier attempt, students, parents and teachers have filed a revised lawsuit seeking to block a new Florida law that restricts classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation. The challenge, filed Thursday in the Northern District of Florida, argues that the plaintiffs have suffered “concrete harms” from the law (HB 1557), which spurred a fierce debate this year in the Legislature and has drawn national attention. More from the Tampa Bay Times ans the News Service of Florida.

UF trustees unanimously choose Sasse as president

The University of Florida Board of Trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse as the panel's pick to be the school's next president, as the Nebraska Republican pledged to practice “political celibacy” if he ultimately gets the job. Sasse would succeed outgoing President Kent Fuchs, if the trustees' choice is approved by the state university system’s Board of Governors. But Sasse’s selection and the process that led to him being the sole finalist in UF’s presidential search has drawn strong objections from students and faculty. [Source: News Service of Florida]

Something to smile about: Dental college's new program a big win for grins

Nova Southeastern University’s Tampa Bay campus, in Clearwater, has launched a new program that will fast-track U.S. licensure for foreign dentists. Taking more than three years of full-time study to complete, the program remains a major commitment for dentists who want to practice in the United States. In total, 38 students from 16 countries have been accepted into the 2022-23 program. Starting in May next year, they’ll provide free or low-cost dental care to patients in the Tampa Bay region. [Source: Business Observer]

USF urges Florida's Supreme Court to hear the case on campus COVID shutdowns

Arguing that the case is of “great public importance,” the University of South Florida on Monday urged the state Supreme Court to take up a dispute about fees collected from students for services that were not provided because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorneys filed an initial brief at the Supreme Court after the 2nd District Court of Appeal this year refused to dismiss a potential class-action lawsuit alleging that the university breached a contract with student ValerieMarie Moore and improperly kept fees. [Source: News Service of Florida]

It's time for Florida students to fill out the FAFSA

It’s that time of year again — time to fill out the FAFSA, the free application for federal student aid. The form isn’t just for students applying to four-year universities — FAFSA can help you pay for community college and technical school too. Students should fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible to have the best chance of qualifying for grants from the federal government and scholarships from colleges and universities. That means getting your paperwork and identifying documents together now. [Source: WFSU]

Trend Mention

Mention ImageUT’s New Online Program for Florida Educators

The University of Tampa provides Florida educators with a clear path to becoming district-certified leaders and administrators in as little as one year. UT’s Educational Leadership program is the preferred education provider for Hillsborough and Pasco schools, and is now available online for all Florida districts. Students engage in experiential tasks directly aligned with the Florida Principal Leadership Standards and the Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE). Register for more information.

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› IFF and Florida Polytechnic University celebrate beginning of construction on state-of-the-art global Citrus Innovation Center
IFF and Florida Polytechnic University laid the foundation for the new Citrus Innovation Center, located on the University’s campus in Lakeland, Florida. The nearly 30,000-square-foot, standalone building will support global citrus research and development, and will include sensory and experience venues, research labs, processing, analytical departments, a fully equipped citrus garden and amenities for hosting customers and partners.

› Carmen Concepción: New School of Education dean of Miami-Dade College
Carmen Concepción started her career as an educator over 30 years ago as a student at Miami Dade College School of Education. In September, she was named dean of the school. She now oversees the school and its three departments: Early Childhood Education, K-12 Teacher Education Programs, and the Center for Professional Development.

› Pinellas schools move to protect teachers as Florida invites book challenges
As the summer break wound to a close, the Pinellas County school district encouraged principals to have teachers review classroom library books for appropriateness during the first quarter. The goal was to prepare for whatever challenge might come from the community as a new Florida law governing lessons about race and gender took hold. Book objections were on the rise across the state, they noted, so potentially controversial materials should get a closer look.

› Escambia schools get $30K grant for firefighting training program
Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded more than $2.7 million to help 28 school districts and state colleges purchase industry standard equipment for career and technical education (CTE) programs across Florida. The awards included $30,000 for an introduction to firefighting program in Escambia County. The funding will better equip students as they prepare for job opportunities in high demand fields, according to the Florida Department of Education.

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