Florida

Policy changes put Florida schools in compliance with Parental Rights in Education law

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Major policy changes are coming to schools across the state, including here in Central Florida.

State education leaders passed motions Wednesday amending rules in accordance with the Parental Rights in Education law, the biggest change being one that puts teacher licenses on the line.

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In accordance with Wednesday’s changes, parents will now have to be notified if their child is attending a school where bathrooms and locker rooms allow students to enter if it’s not their biological sex at birth.

The policy, which has to be posted online and mailed to parents, must include a method of supervision for students in locker rooms.

Read: How the Parental Rights in Education Act will impact Central Florida school districts this year

Elementary schools will also now have to provide parents access to lists of the reading materials available to kids.

Teachers in kindergarten through third grade are at risk of losing their license if they have conversations involving sexual orientation and gender identity.

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Board Chair Tom Grady said while he appreciates everyone sharing their opinion on the changes, they’re just doing their job.

“We are just an implementing body in this instance of a law passed by the legislature,” Grady said.

The Florida Education Association said they feel the decision is the state board putting politics over kids.

Read: ‘How could this be allowed’: Homeowners furious over Florida law they say is unfair

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.