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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\u201cI\u2019m grateful that the State Board of Education took decisive action on critically important topics today, especially for women and girls,\u201d Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz Jr.\u00a0said. \u201cFlorida will never compromise on the health, safety, and well-being of our students and educators. Whether it\u2019s the integrity of athletics or safety on school campuses, we are absolutely committed to doing what\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The board unanimously approved the new bylaws for the Florida High School Athletic Association, or FHSAA, for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. The rule ensures students will compete in athletics based on their biological sex, at birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its stance, the board declared the rule \u201cpreserves fair opportunities for female athletes\u201d in accordance with Gov. Ron DeSantis\u2019 policies and the Florida Department of Education. It also noted the decision as a direct contrast with what Florida critics have called the Biden administration\u2019s assault on Title IX protections for women and girls, in favor of transgender people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diaz affirmed Florida\u2019s stance to state superintendents and charter school leaders in April, stating no \u201ceducational educational institution should begin implementing any such changes until further notice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Florida has since filed a federal lawsuit<\/a> against the U.S. Department of Education regarding its changes to Title IX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe Board\u2019s action is consistent with Florida\u2019s fight against the Biden administration\u2019s attempt to make radical changes to Title IX protections affecting women and girls, effective August 1, 2024,\u201d the release said. \u201cIf successful, the federal anti-discrimination law\u2019s longstanding application of biological sex will no longer have any meaning, as gender identity will be included within the term \u2018sex.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The board also affirmed protecting students, teachers, and staff by updating its school safety requirements. The guidance is a direct reflection of HB 1473<\/a>, which focuses on campus access control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HB 1473 was sponsored by Reps. Dana Trabulsy, R-Fort Pierce, and Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland. It was then approved by DeSantis in May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among its details, the law changes a vast array of school safety requirements. They include gates, access points, classrooms, and instructional spaces that will remain closed and locked with students on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n