All eyes are on the University of Florida, as it faces mounting criticism over its actions that appear designed to satisfy the Governor’s Office at the expense of professors. School leaders found themselves on defense as faculty members, politicians and others increasingly questioned their adherence to the basic tenets of intellectual freedom. Read on for that story and more Florida education news.
The University of Florida has focused efforts on bolstering its national reputation. But it’s gaining attention for less positive actions. Here’s why:
• Faculty members questioned whether the school deserves plaudits amid its efforts to stop three professors from testifying in a voting rights case.
• It also was learned another professor was prevented from testifying about masks in lawsuits against the state’s rules, The Chronicle of Higher Education reports.
• And four university professors were not allowed to participate in a lawsuit on Florida’s felons voting law. Faculty have raised the issue of the university’s effort to fast track the hiring of the state’s new surgeon general, as well.
• Democrats from the state’s Congressional delegation deplored the university’s effort to “muzzle” its professors. In all, the school finds itself in a political firestorm, Fresh Take Florida reports.
• President Kent Fuchs issued a statement affirming support of free speech and academic freedom, the Gainesville Sun reports.
In the districts
Pasco County students will start school at new times in January. The School Board approved revised bell schedules to deal with a severe bus driver shortage. The board will revisit the plan in May to decide whether to renew it for 2022-23.
The Hillsborough County School Board advanced a plan to redraw member districts. Two members objected to the process.
The Manatee County school district asked voters to extend a local-option property tax to boost teacher pay. Voters overwhelmingly approved the measure, the Herald-Tribune reports.
The Alachua County school district faces multiple challenges to its masking rule. The School Board decided to hold the course through at least Dec. 6, Main Street Daily News reports.
The Palm Beach County school district also is looking into whether to end its mask requirement sooner. Outside pressure paired with declining cases has officials considering their options, the Palm Beach Post reports.
A Lee County School Board member faces a civil rights complaint. She’s accused of promoting a new schools in a wealthy area to win endorsements and votes, to the detriment of minority communities, WINK reports.
You’re never too young to enjoy a story. The Brevard County school district is partnering with local hospitals to provide newborns their first picture book, Florida Today reports.
At the capitol
Lawmakers want Florida students to understand “the ills and the dangers” of communism. The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation to require 45 minutes of annual instruction on the topic, Florida Politics reports.
The Legislature created a new program to send free books to elementary students who struggle with reading. The deliveries are set to begin in December, the News Service of Florida reports.
Florida schools continue to have trouble filling classrooms with teachers. A Democratic state senator has proposed a teacher mentorship program to help cover the gap, WTVT reports.
There’s also the bus driver shortage. Lawmakers advanced a bill that would require providing bus rides to more students, potentially exacerbating the situation, WFTV reports.
Today in Tallahassee ... The House Secondary Education subcommittee meets at 9 a.m. to discuss truancy and curriculum transparency. The House Early Learning and Elementary Education subcommittee will also discuss curriculum transparency when it meets at 11 a.m. • The House PreK-12 Appropriations subcommittee has school choice and vouchers on its agenda when it meets at 2 p.m.
Don’t miss a story. Yesterday’s roundup is just a click away.
Before you go ... Don’t let the Halloween costumes scare you. This is a great version of “Tainted Love” (with a little Eurythmics tossed in).
• • •
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