Public urges clearer anti-discrimination language and school protections for immigrant students; board and superintendent reiterate existing protocols

Several public commenters at the June 10 Sarasota County School Board meeting urged the district to restore or clarify explicit anti‑discrimination language in its student code of conduct and to make clear protections for immigrant students against actions that could disrupt attendance and learning.

Deb Hayes, speaking for faith and social‑justice constituencies, urged the board to ensure “protections for individuals’ sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression” are spelled out clearly in district policies. “Being who you are should never make you subject to discrimination,” Hayes said and asked the board to make protections explicit in “every document, policy, and procedure in the district.”

Other public speakers described fear among immigrant families and students. J.T. Pryor, who said he serves a local congregation, described families who have stopped sending children to school because of immigration‑related anxiety and asked the district to ensure students “are provided with legal representation from the district” if a student is served with a warrant. Pryor urged the board to keep schools as sanctuaries where students can “learn, grow and dream without fear.”

Several commenters said a draft change to the student handbook had removed language that explicitly protected students from discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation; one commenter said an item was pulled from the agenda and asked for transparency when it returns. A public commenter summarized the change at length and said she was “glad that the item was pulled from the agenda” and asked the board to provide clear documentation of the staff recommendations and board feedback before the policy returns for consideration.

Superintendent Conner and board members addressed immigration and student privacy during board comments. Conner said the district trains school leaders and staff on how to verify any legal orders and that legal counsel has vetted the district’s protocols. “When it comes to student privacy, we’re strict on FERPA,” Conner said, noting the district limits release of student information to appropriate parties under federal law. He added that the district has processes in place should law enforcement or immigration authorities seek access to students on campus and that, to date, such access had not occurred.

Board members also commented. Ms. Marinelli and others asked for continued reassurance and said the district should keep communicating protocols to the community. Board members said they did not intend to create a policy that tolerated bullying or harassment and that language and presentation of the handbook will be revisited to avoid unintended impressions. One board member said the item had been pulled and would return for further review.

Why it matters: Speakers described real‑world consequences — families keeping children home, student anxiety, and community distrust — tied to how district policies are worded and communicated. The district’s handling of handbook language and its protocols for responding to law enforcement and immigration inquiries are matters that can directly affect attendance, student safety perceptions and legal compliance.

Next steps: The item referenced by speakers was pulled from the agenda; speakers asked the board to provide clear documentation and public feedback when the policy returns. The superintendent said staff will continue to follow FERPA and legal protocols and will present further information to the board as needed.