The big story: Every year as Florida schools update their codes of conduct, rules about what students may and may not wear come under scrutiny.
Officials in recent years have attempted to make decisions that are gender neutral, in the face of criticisms that most decisions focus on girls’ choices and how they might distract boys. In some instances, the resulting revisions have caused confusion over how to fairly implement them.
The Pasco County school district found that to be the case as it attempted to prevent girls from wearing sports bras and other tops that some deemed too revealing. It decided that all shirts must “extend to the waist,” but soon found the month-old provision created a new set of problems.
On Monday, it backtracked. Read more here.
Hot topics
Race relations: A Flagler County elementary school teacher involved in an assembly that singled out Black children has resigned, WESH reports. An administrator who participated in the assembly also resigned, WKMG reports.
Public comment: The Brevard County School Board is contemplating whether to stop broadcasting public comment from its meetings amid concerns that residents might read explicit book passages aloud, Florida Today reports.
Career education: The Marion County school district is building a new automotive and aviation tech training center that should be open by late 2025, the Ocala Star-Banner reports.
Budgets: The Pasco County School Board approved a $1.99 billion budget after explaining to upset residents why their tax bills are growing. This is the first year the district is collecting a voter-approved tax increase. • The Hernando County School Board approved a $510 million budget with two dissenting votes, Suncoast News reports.
From the police blotter ... A Putnam County seventh grader was arrested on allegations of bringing a BB gun to school, WCJB reports. • A Volusia County high school student was arrested on accusations he cut another student’s face with a knife during a fight at school, WFTV reports. • A former Palm Beach County high school teacher was arrested on allegations of having a sexual relationship with a minor student, WPTV reports.
From the court docket ... The Volusia County school district is the latest Florida district to join a lawsuit against social media organizations, claiming the harm done to students’ mental health has burdened education, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. • The Pinellas County teen accused of stabbing two schoolmates at Countryside High will be charged as an adult, WFLA reports.
In higher ed
New College: Officials for New College of Florida dismissed the accusations that have led to a federal civil rights investigation of the school, calling the complaint politically motivated, the Herald-Tribune reports.
FAU president search: The Board of Governors has asked the Florida Attorney General’s Office to look into allegations of Sunshine Law violations during Florida Atlantic University’s search for a new president, Florida Phoenix reports.
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Explore all your optionsEducation initiatives: The University of Florida is launching a new effort connecting the school with K-12 classrooms across the state, the Independent Florida Alligator reports.
Course offerings: Florida State University canceled a course on “Race, Class and Gender” less than a week before it was scheduled to begin, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. Officials said only two people had registered for the course, and it might be offered in future semesters if interest is higher.
Unions: The University of Florida Graduate Assistants United union might lose its official status because of new state law requiring 60% membership to retain certification, the Independent Florida Alligator reports.
Don’t miss a story. Yesterday’s roundup is just a click away.
Before you go ... Hey, Bucs fans. Check out where Tom Brady was on opening day.
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