State expects ‘serious consequences’ over trans athlete at Broward school
Florida Department of Education officials said this week they expect “serious consequences for those responsible” for allowing a transgender female student to play in the girl’s volleyball team at a public school in Broward.
The one-page “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act,” Florida’s law prohibiting transgender girls from playing sports, doesn’t specify what “serious” or “consequences” means. In fact, it doesn’t outline any punishments for violators.
To understand what could happen to the five employees that were removed Monday — principal James Cecil; assistant principal Kenneth May; athletic director Dione Hester; girls’ volleyball coach and IT technician Jessica Norton; and temporary coach Alex Burgess — we have to look at Broward County
Public Schools policy and other state law. The consequences, should they be found guilty of breaking the law, could range from a verbal reprimand to termination — and perhaps even involve the suspension or revocation of their educator certificates, if the state intervenes.
While it investigates “allegations of improper student participation in sports,” the school district “paused” Burgess’ services, as he worked as a temporary coach, and reassigned the other four staffers to another undisclosed location.
The Broward County Public Schools Special Investigative Unit will carry out the district investigation.
State officials, however, could also choose to conduct their own independent investigation, and may already be doing so, said Lisa Maxwell, executive director of the Broward Principals and Assistants Association (BPAA). Both Cecil and May fall under the BPAA, which is not a union but advocates for principals and assistant principals.
STATE EDUCATION OFFICIALS COULD ALSO BE INVESTIGATING
Asked Thursday if they would investigate, a spokesperson with the Florida Department of Education wouldn’t confirm or deny.
“We are closely monitoring the reports regarding Monarch High School in Broward County,” the spokesperson wrote. “However, per section 1012.796(4), Florida Statutes, we cannot confirm whether there is a potential or ongoing investigation regarding any Florida certified educator.”
If state officials investigate the Monarch High issue and find any of the parties guilty, they could suspend or revoke their educator certificates for five years, effectively taking away their ability