The big story: Florida universities moved quickly to block access to several social media sites on school devices and networks.
The biggest name is TikTok, but others including Kapersky and WeChat are also on the list. The biggest concerns revolve around data security on these foreign-owned platforms.
Universities are also allowed to block additional software and hardware projects. The authorizations do not apply to private schools or privately owned devices that use non-government data services. Read more here.
K-12 schools could soon follow suit, as lawmakers work to advance legislation (HB 379 / SB 52) Dealing with social media in public schools, including similar restrictions.
Exciting topics
Transgender student athletes: The Biden administration announced a proposal to allow transgender athletes to participate in school sports consistent with their gender identity. DeSantis’ management said it would fight the action. • US Supreme Court Refuse to intervene In the case of a transgender student-athlete in West Virginia seeking to participate in girls’ cross-country events at the school, The Hill reports.
School safety: Duval County Schools reported About 300 threats In the first six months of the school year, WJXT reports.
Senior leadership: Florida Atlantic University faculty have raised concerns that a proposal to name rowdy state Rep. Randy Fine to head the school It could hurt the next executive searchWLRN Reports.
Independent schools: The leader of the Tallahassee Classical Academy board challenged the Lyon County school district Claiming that the charter school is not complying with its contractThe Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Book challenges: Speaking in Michigan, Governor Ron DeSantis Criticize the “media and the left” To tie his efforts to remove pornography from schools to banning books, reports The National Desk. • Citrus County School Board is about to adopt Revised policies on book adoption, to include expanded rules on generic challenges, the Citrus County Chronicle reports. • Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. has released his recommended reading list for April, including books about Ruby Bridges and Rosa ParksWTSP Reports. Stories about both civil rights leaders have been the subject of controversy in recent weeks.
Other school news
A private school in Hernando County was late in paying the school district’s cafeteria service fee. The district agreed to give the school over Until July to catch upHernando Sun reporting.
Aspiring teachers at Florida Gulf Coast University learn how to discipline students. they using computer simulations For practice, WINK reports.
Duval School District mistakenly sent school choice lottery results before they were audited. several families Received incorrect information About their children’s school status, WJXT reports.
Three Miami-Dade School Board members attended the signing of the bill to expand school vouchers in Florida. Critics say they advance an agenda It conflicts with their commitment to public educationMiami Herald reports.
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From the police… An Osceola County high school employee and coach have been arrested over the allegations sexual misconduct with studentsWKMG reports. • A Palm Beach County teen was arrested for possessing a gun on campusWPTV Reports.
Never miss a story. Here is a link to yesterday’s report.
before you go … Enjoy some fresh bluegrass music from a great group of musicians.
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