Orange County School Board asks Governor DeSantis to Veto Transgender Youth Sports Ban
The Orange County School Board has joined the growing list of voices calling on Governor Ron DeSantis to veto SB 1028, the Transgender Youth Sports Ban. Read their full letter:
"Dear Governor DeSantis,
On behalf of the School Board of Orange County, please see the statement below regarding the Florida Legislature’s passage of SB 1028 on April 28, 2021. The school board respectfully requests you strongly consider vetoing this legislation.
The School Board of Orange County asks Governor DeSantis to veto SB 1028 which was passed by the Florida Legislature on April 28, 2021. We strongly believe this bill does not prioritize the social and emotional needs of all children. For the past decade, FHSAA rules have allowed all students to compete in athletics regardless of biological sex at the time of their birth. Orange County Public Schools has 35,000 student-athletes and we support all of them, including those who transitioned from their assigned sex at birth. The School Board has not received any formal complaints regarding the current FHSAA student participation rules. We believe those in authority must support all children and avoid making any child feel marginalized. The School Board of Orange County feels strongly that no child should be subjected to any type of discrimination. It is understood that there are additional legislative proposals within the bill but none are as important as the protection of our children. We respectfully ask the Governor to veto SB 1028."