Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Student Protections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
School board adopts revised discrimination policy and student code of conduct after contentious debate
Summary
The Sarasota County School Board approved revisions to chapter 2 nondiscrimination policies and the district student code of conduct for 2025–26 by a 3–2 vote, replacing enumerated protected classes with broader 'all' language; opponents warned the change removes explicit protections for groups that have historically faced higher bullying rates.
The Sarasota County School Board on Sept. 16 approved revisions to chapter 2 policies on discrimination (policies 2.71, 2.71a, 2.73) and adopted the student code of conduct for the 2025–26 school year. Both measures passed by a 3–2 vote (yes: Bridget Ziegler, Karen Rose, Robin Marinelli; no: Liz Barker, Tom Edwards).
Supporters of the policy changes argued the district’s commitment is to “every student every day,” that the word “all” is inclusive, and that the district must focus on uniform treatment and proactive supports. Opponents and many public commenters said removing enumerated protections for groups such as LGBTQ+ students and others would leave vulnerable students without explicit policy protections and risk increased harassment. Student speakers, parents and nonprofit advocates urged the board to keep enumerated language; faith leaders and other commenters urged keeping students safe while defending broadly worded policies.
“I implore you to vote no,” Booker High School senior Avery Cole said during public comment, asking the board to consider the repeated testimony from students who said the change would harm queer and trans students. Student journalists, pastors and civic groups also spoke about the change during multiple public‑comment segments.
Board debate reflected the split: School Board Member Tom Edwards and School Board Member Liz Barker said they opposed removing enumerated protections, citing research and professional‑organization guidance; School Board Member Bridget Ziegler and others said an emphasis on universal support and building resilience should drive policy. After public comment and board discussion, the board approved the revised chapter‑2 policies and the 2025–26 student code of conduct with the same 3–2 vote pattern.
What passed
- Chapter 2: Revised policies 2.71, 2.71a and 2.73 (discrimination, complaint procedures and related language) were adopted as presented. - Student code of conduct for 2025–26 (elementary and secondary) adopted.
What it means
The policy text replaces previous enumerated lists with broader, non‑enumerated language using the word “all,” per board discussion, and tasks district staff with implementing the code and complaint procedures. Opponents said they will monitor implementation and urged the district to retain specific protections in practice and monitoring.
Board action
- Motion: approve revised chapter 2 policies (agenda item 11.14). Outcome: approved, voice vote 3–2 (yes: Ziegler, Rose, Marinelli; no: Barker, Edwards). - Motion: approve student code of conduct for 2025–26 (agenda item 11.15). Outcome: approved, voice vote 3–2 (same split).
Next steps
The district will publish the revised policies and code of conduct and proceed with implementation, including staff training and reporting under the district’s adopted complaint procedures. Community groups and individuals signaled plans to track outcomes and request additional clarification in future meetings.
