Sarasota School Board Passes Resolution To Reject New Title IX

Sarasota School Board Bridget Ziegler introduced the resolution to reject the new Title IX rule. Credit: Sarastota Public Schools via Youtube.

SARASOTA, Florida - The Sarasota County School Board passed a resolution by a 4-1 vote during its May 7, 2024 school board meeting to reject President Biden's new Title IX rule that expands the definition of sex-discrimination to include gender identity, which in turn would allow transgender men participate in women's sports at schools and colleges that receive federal funding.

The Sarasota School Board's resolution comes after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida will not comply with the new Title IX rule.

School board member Bridget Ziegler introduced the resolution for a vote. School board member Tom Edwards was the sole "no" vote.

Sarasota School Board Resolution Opposing New Title IX Full Text:

THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA

RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION OF THE SCHOOL BOARD OF SARASOTA COUNTY, FLORIDA TO COMMIT THAT NO POLICY OR PROCEDURAL CHANGES SHALL TAKE PLACE OR BE CONSIDERED IN RESPONSE TO THE APRIL 19TH, 2024 TITLE IX RULE CHANGES

WHEREAS, The School Board of Sarasota County is made up of five duly elected Constitutional Officers, each whom swore an oath to uphold, protect, & defend the laws of the United States of America, and The State of Florida; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education released a final rule, making significant changes to the regulations implementing Title IX, that run afoul of Federal and State Laws; and

WHEREAS, Title IX, enacted by Congress in 1972, provides that "no person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance." 20 U.S.C. §1681(a); and

WHEREAS, Title IX was passed to ensure that females and males receive equal educational opportunities. 20 U.S.C. §1681(a)(2) (referring to "both sexes"); and

WHEREAS, The statute requires that, if opportunities "are provided for students of one sex, opportunities for reasonably comparable activities shall be provided for students of the other sex." §1681(a)(8); and

WHEREAS, "on the basis of sex" in Title IX is referring to biological sex, which, like race and national origin, is an immutable characteristic that cannot be changed, fluid, or altered; and

WHEREAS, the United States Department of Education's unlawful attempt to redefine "Sex" to include "Gender Identity" would have disastrous impacts to girls and women's safety in restrooms, locker rooms, and sports; and

WHEREAS, The Governor and Attorney General of the State of Florida have enjoined a federal lawsuit on April 29th, challenging, among many provisions, the constitutionality of the United States Department of Education's changes to Title IX, and

WHEREAS, The Commissioner of Education of the State of Florida, at the direction of the Governor of the State of Florida, has instructed that "no education institution should begin implementing any changes while legal challenges ensue";

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, in a public meeting duly called and assembled:

1. affirms that "sex": is defined as biological male or biological female (only two sexes); is an immutable characteristic that cannot be changed, fluid, or altered;

2. affirms that inherent biological differences and abilities exist between the two sexes and commits to protecting female sports;

3. commits to ensuring the safety, privacy and protection of all students, and acknowledges the importance of single sex facilities;

4. provides that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity within Sarasota County Schools;

5. supports Governor DeSantis, on behalf of the State of Florida, legal challenge of the United States Secretary of Education and the United States Department of Education's rule changes to Title IX;

6. commits that no policy or procedural changes will be implemented or considered as legal challenges ensue, and hereby acknowledges the paramount duty of the District to make adequate provisions for the education of all children residing within its borders.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida.

PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED, at a public meeting the 2024.

ATTEST:

By:

By:

Terrence Connor, Superintendent

Karen Rose, Chair

day of