Florida high school principal suspended over transgender volleyball player
In a stunning turn of events, a Florida high school principal has been suspended for trying to make sure that all of his students feel safe and included. The reason? A transgender volleyball player.
Apparently, the principal, who shall remain nameless, was concerned that the student, who identifies as a girl, was not being treated fairly by the school’s athletic department. So, he took action. He made sure that the student could participate on the girls’ volleyball team and made sure that the team treated her like any other teammate. Sounds reasonable, right?
Well, apparently not to some of the parents. According to reports, they were outraged that their daughters were playing with a transgender student. They even started a petition calling for the principal’s resignation. Because, you know, respecting someone’s basic human rights is just too much to ask.
The school board, in all their wisdom, decided to suspend the principal while they investigate the situation. Because punishing someone for doing the right thing is always a great idea.
In a statement to the press, the principal expressed his disappointment with the decision. “I was only trying to do what was right for my students,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that everyone felt welcome and included. Isn’t that what education is all about?”
Well, apparently not in Florida. In Florida, it’s more important to preserve outdated attitudes and prejudices than to create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported.
Some of the parents who were against the principal’s decision spoke to the press, and their comments were nothing short of appalling. One parent claimed that letting a transgender student play on the girls’ volleyball team would somehow threaten her daughter’s safety. Another said that she didn’t want her daughter exposed to “alternative lifestyles.”
What year is this again? Are we seriously still having these kinds of conversations in 2021? Apparently so.
But don’t worry, folks. The school board has our best interests at heart. They’re going to spend weeks, if not months, investigating the situation. Because why make a decision based on common sense and decency when you can drag it out and make everyone suffer in the meantime?
We can only hope that this is resolved quickly and that the principal is reinstated. After all, we need more people in positions of authority who are willing to do the right thing, even when it’s unpopular.
So, here’s to the Florida high school principal who tried to make sure that everyone felt welcome and included, and was punished for it. It’s people like you who give us hope that change is possible. Even if it’s a slow and painful process.
