After The Florida Capital Star broke the story regarding the Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) removal of LGBT bullying resources from left-wing groups, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) repurposed the resources and posted them on the Florida Department of Agriculture (FDACS) site.
Many of the links address anti-bullying resources, however, the main heading of the site designates the links as being categorized as “LGBTQ+” as well as providing a brief timeline of Fried’s efforts to advocate for the LGBT community as agriculture commissioner.
On Twitter, Fried announced the unveiling of the new resources page while taking a swipe at Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).
“While Ron DeSantis’ administration removes resources for LGTBQ+ Floridians, youth in particular, our department has stood up,” Fried tweeted. “We’ve added an LGBTQ+ resource page to our website and we’ll continue to correct the wrongs of the DeSantis office.”
While Ron DeSantis’ administration removes resources for LGTBQ+ Floridians, youth in particular, our department has stood up.
We’ve added an LGBTQ+ resource page to our website and we’ll continue to correct the wrongs of the DeSantis office. https://t.co/TGjWcr3uFx— Nikki Fried (@NikkiFried) December 22, 2021
Fried blames DeSantis for removing the resources and has previously said he is guilty of “erasing the needs” of LGBT students.
“This is yet another example of Governor DeSantis ignoring and erasing the needs of the LGBTQ community in our state,” Fried said. “LGBTQ students experience higher rates of bullying and suicide, and as a result it is crucial that state leaders do everything in our power to advocate for these students and provide them with these important resources to foster a safe learning environment for all. This is a dangerous move by the DeSantis Administration and unfortunately continues the Governor’s troubling trend of undermining policies intended to keep Florida students safe.”
The resources were originally posted on the FDOE site and were removed to be reviewed.
It was also revealed that at least one school district has utilized the resources to support LGBT advocacy. One of the organizations listed on the landing page is the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GSLEN). The GLSEN says school staff “should not disclose any information that may reveal a student’s transgender status to others, including parents or guardians and other school staff, unless legally required to do so or unless the student has authorized such disclosure.”
FDOE has updated the landing page and maintains it supports all students.
“Clearly, we support all students – no student deserves to be bullied in school for any reason – the health and safety of Florida’s 2.9 million students is our utmost priority” FDOE said. “To suggest otherwise is simply false.”
Critics of Fried have pointed out that the landing page she launched specifically uses language for “educators” and “parents” and wonder why the agriculture department is prioritizing the issue.
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Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Background Photo “LGBTQ Resources” by FDAC.
