This blog originally appeared at The New York Times.

The nonprofit said it would not remove a section on gender and sexual orientation, as Florida had requested, and advised districts not to offer the course.

The College Board announced on Thursday that Florida school districts should no longer offer Advanced Placement Psychology, one of the most popular A.P. courses, the latest skirmish in its battle with the state’s Department of Education over how to teach race, gender and sexual orientation.

The College Board, the nonprofit that oversees advanced placement courses and the SAT, revoked its support for A.P. Psychology in Florida, saying it would not abide by the state’s demand to remove a longstanding section on gender and sexual orientation.

“The Florida Department of Education has effectively banned A.P. Psychology in the state,” the College Board said in a statement.

The Department of Education fired back, accusing the College Board of “playing games with Florida students” one week before school starts.

“The Department didn’t ‘ban’ the course,” the department said in a statement. “The course remains listed in Florida’s Course Code Directory for the 2023-24 school year. We encourage the College Board to stop playing games with Florida students and continue to offer the course and allow teachers to operate accordingly.”

More on U.S. Schools and Education

• Houston Schools: The decision to fire librarians and effectively close libraries in some of the Texas city’s poorest schools has been the most contentious one yet made by new leaders who were imposed on the district by Gov. Greg Abbott.
• Florida Schools: As a new school year begins in Florida, parents are facing bureaucracy and new rules on gender, books, bathrooms and pronouns, an offshoot of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s muscular push for “parental rights” in education.
• Reading Crisis: Many states are taking steps to improve reading instruction for struggling students. But New York, once a national leader in education reform, lags behind.

Under an expanded Florida rule, instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation is now restricted in most cases through the 12th grade. The Florida Department of Education had asked the College Board and other providers of advanced, college-level courses to search their offerings for potential violations.

But the College Board said that it would not modify its content, and that any course that did not address gender and sexual orientation should not be labeled “advanced placement.”

“To be clear, any A.P. Psychology course taught in Florida will violate either Florida law or college requirements,” the College Board said.

The College Board, a powerful nonprofit, has been waging war with the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, since earlier this year when his administration rejected the College Board’s new African American studies course. The curriculum included topics such as “queer studies,” reparations and the Black Lives Matter movement, and the administration objected, citing a state law limiting how racism and other aspects of history are taught in public schools.

click here to see full blog: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/03/us/florida-ap-psychology-courses.html

This blog originally appeared at South Florida Sun Sentinel.

We delve into Broward County’s recent convention cancellations, attributing the exodus to a perceived unfriendly political environment. Join us as we uncover the factors behind this shift and explore the implications for local and national politics. Let’s unveil the truth behind Broward’s convention scene.

Broward County has lost more than a half-dozen conventions as their organizers cite the divisive political climate as their reason to stay out of Florida.

The list was compiled by Visit Lauderdale, formerly known as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Broward’s tourism arm said the lost conventions could have brought hotel stays to Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding cities, which also meant money spent on restaurants and attractions.

“We lost this program due to political climate,” according to a Visit Lauderdale spreadsheet listing the decision of the Supreme Council of America Inc., Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite Masons to cancel their convention — and 855 rooms — in August 2024.

“We were so close on this one,” reads the notes on the entry for the 2024 National Family and Community Engagement and Community Schools Conference, which needed more than 2,000 rooms and has bailed. “But, group decided to pull out of Florida due to concerns about what the Governor is doing in the education/schools and that he will likely run in 2024. They do not want to lose attendees due to this.”

Under the explanation for a nationally funded Mississippi-based organization that deals with health care workers, the reason simply reads: “Governor DeSantis.”

An organizer for the event, who did not have authority to speak, said Thursday the group was planning to come to Fort Lauderdale for a staff retreat this summer and have opted for Denver instead.

The reason: The polarization of gay rights and “assault on diversity and equity and inclusion.”

Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, Broward County’s tourism promotion arm, said she’s “saddened” by the loss of tourism, but said, “It’s not directed at South Florida. We’re not doing anything different than we’ve been doing for the last 30 years.”

She also said the effects won’t be felt for years because the conventions generally book far in advance.

“From an economic standpoint, this is very harmful. We saw in 2020 what happens when visitors stay away — people lose their jobs.  By not coming here, the residents of our county, whose values align with these organizations, get hurt. Minority, women and LGBTQ+ businesses rely on visitors for their existence. Staying away hurts those very people.”

The Chicago-based American Specialty Toy Retailing Association had planned a 3,000-person conference in Fort Lauderdale in 2026. A spokeswoman said Thursday they are “probably” headed to Milwaukee instead.

The organization has “a lot of people that don’t like those politics at all,” said spokeswoman Beth Miller.

In a note to the tourism office, she cited the “unfriendly political environment in Florida.”

“This would otherwise be such a fabulous destination for the group. I sure hope things become less polarizing soon,” she wrote the county.

Said Ritter: “I’m saddened because my hometown is welcoming and inclusive and everybody knows that. This isn’t directed at us, which is heartening because they know our values are of supporting diversity and inclusion. It’s a bigger message and there’s little we can do about that.”

RELATED ARTICLES

• ‘Champions of diversity’: Broward’s new ads counter the law dubbed ‘don’t say gay’

A get-away weekend run by the Atlanta-based aParent Miracles Foundation for this November is headed to Texas instead.

The group changed its mind after the NAACP issued a travel advisory for Florida “in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ attempts to erase Black history, and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools,” the organizer wrote Ritter’s office.

And the Washington, D.C.-based Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, which was scheduled to come to Fort Lauderdale in January, diverted to New Orleans instead.

Because of what’s perceived as anti-migrant policies, “we heard some rumblings some people might not be willing to attend,” said Daniel Sheehan, executive director. “We canceled out of an abundance of caution. Maybe some day in the future” the group will return, he said.

The loss of conventions has been particularly felt in Orlando, where groups canceling their events have cited laws that banned most abortions after six weeks, allowed Floridians to carry concealed weapons without a permit, cracked down on illegal immigration, and targeted transgender and LGBTQ+ issues.

The National Society of Black Engineers’ 50th conference, which would have brought up to 15,000 visitors to the Orange County Convention Center in 2024, will now be held in a different city. Organizers with the National Society of Black Engineers told the Orlando Sentinel they were troubled by DeSantis’ efforts to target diversity, equity and inclusion programs in schools and how that would affect student members of the group.

And the Con of Thrones, which typically draws 3,000 to 4,000 fans of the “Game of Thrones” books and television shows, also announced it was pulling the plug on a gathering planned for Aug. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando.

A spokesperson for DeSantis on Thursday called the announcements by the groups “nothing more than a media-driven stunt.”

“As Governor DeSantis announced in May, Florida is experiencing record tourism, with the Q1 2023 having the largest volume of visitors during a single quarter in recorded history,” Press Secretary Jeremy T. Redfern said in an email to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida’s economy is booming, with Florida being the fastest growing state and having the largest net domestic in-migration.”

click here to see full blog: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2023/07/07/unfriendly-political-environment-broward-convention-center-cancellations-blame-florida-as-reason-for-exodus/

This blog originally appeared at CBS News.

Differentiating medical facts from misinformation is vital. Rely on trusted sources, fact-check information, and consult medical professionals. Promote critical thinking and health literacy to combat misinformation.

click here to watch the videos: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trans-youth-gender-affirming-health-care-misinformation/

Almost three weeks after Florida’s Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, signed a bill making it a felony for doctors to provide gender-affirming care to transgender minors, a judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing enforcement of the law for three children whose parents are part of an ongoing lawsuit.

Florida is one of at least 20 states that have limited gender-affirming treatment for minors. The legislators sponsoring some of these bills say their intent is to protect children and families from pressure “to receive harmful, experimental puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones and to undergo irreversible, life-altering surgical procedures,” as a new Montana law puts it.

“Gender transitions involving major surgeries not only result in sterility, but other irreversible negative biological effects,” said Montana state Sen. John Fuller, the Republican who introduced the bill.

Such laws and policies, and statements — such as Fuller’s — used to justify them, reflect misconceptions and misinformation that conflate treatments and strip trans youth of essential care.

What is gender-affirming care?

Gender-affirming care is a broad term for many distinct treatments provided to children, teens, and adults. Puberty blockers, for example, are medications that inhibit puberty by suppressing the body’s production of sex hormones, while hormone therapy is the administration of testosterone or estrogen to alter secondary sex characteristics.

One common misbelief heard when legislation is discussed is that gender-affirming medical interventions are provided immediately to any trans or nonbinary kid who walks into a gender clinic.

click here to see full blog: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trans-youth-gender-affirming-health-care-misinformation/

This blog originally appeared at CBS News.

The Florida medical board has approved an emergency rule regarding transgender care for both children and adults. The rule is seen as a positive step towards ensuring access to necessary healthcare for transgender individuals in the state. It is aimed at preventing discrimination and ensuring that medical professionals provide appropriate and affirming care to transgender patients. This decision by the medical board reflects a growing recognition of the importance of transgender healthcare and the rights of transgender individuals to receive gender-affirming treatment. The rule marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and inclusivity for the transgender community in Florida.

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Board of Osteopathic Medicine on Tuesday approved an emergency rule that will allow transgender children and adults to continue obtaining gender-affirming treatments under certain conditions.

Physicians will be able to renew orders for puberty blockers and hormone therapy so long as no changes are made to the prescriptions.

The state Board of Medicine on June 8 also approved the rule, which will allow continuation of treatment while the medical boards draft other regulations to carry out a new law that makes it harder for trans adults and children to obtain gender-affirming care.

The law, championed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, prohibits doctors from ordering treatments such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy for children but includes an exception for children already using the treatments.

The law also imposes new restrictions on adults seeking gender-affirming care by requiring that such treatment be ordered by physicians, not nurse practitioners.

Medical experts providing gender-affirming care to trans adults estimate that at least 80 percent of prescriptions for treatment such as estrogen and testosterone are ordered by advanced practice registered nurses, not doctors.

The new law also mandates that the medical boards create “informed consent” forms that patients must sign to receive the care.

Under the rule approved by the medical boards, doctors can renew prescriptions for transgender patients if the prescriptions do not change doses or types of treatment.

The rule will allow some patients to continue receiving care while the new informed consent requirements are being developed. Board of Osteopathic Medicine Chairwoman Tiffany Di Pietro said during Tuesday’s meeting that a joint committee of the two medical boards is scheduled to consider the informed-consent forms on Friday.

The full boards are slated to vote on the proposed forms on June 30. The law, which went into effect when DeSantis signed it on May 17, sparked uncertainty about the rules.

Samantha Cahen, program director for trans and nonbinary care for Planned Parenthood of South, East and North Florida, said in an interview last week with The News Service of Florida that the boards’ decision to allow doctors to renew prescriptions while the informed-consent regulation is under development provides “more clarity” to health-care providers.

“Since we didn’t want to provide care without consent, because that would be against the law, at least it’s allowing us to continue the care for our patients. Although we may not be able to alter the prescriptions, it gives us some type of leeway. At least it puts our patients back on track to providing care for them,” Cahen said.

click here to watch live: https://www.cbsnews.com/miami/news/florida-medical-board-approves-rule-on-trans-care-for-children-adults/

This blog originally appeared at MSNBC.

Multiple defense officials have recently voiced concerns about the negative impact of anti-LGBTQ+ laws on military recruitment and retention. These officials have emphasized that discriminatory policies can hinder the military’s ability to attract and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals. Such laws can create a hostile and unwelcoming environment, leading potential recruits to choose other career paths or discouraging current service members from reenlisting. The statements from these defense officials highlight the importance of fostering inclusivity and equality within the military to ensure its strength and effectiveness.

It is true that there are differing views within the conservative movement regarding the United States military’s diversity and inclusion efforts. While some conservatives have criticized these efforts, claiming they contribute to perceived weakness, others recognize the importance of inclusivity in the military for recruitment and retention purposes.

Senator Tommy Tuberville’s remarks, suggesting a lenient attitude towards white nationalists in the military, received criticism for downplaying concerns about extremism within the ranks. It is important to note that military leaders have consistently emphasized the value of diversity and inclusion initiatives as they contribute to a stronger and more effective force. These efforts are seen as crucial for attracting and retaining talented individuals from various backgrounds who can contribute to the mission and success of the military.

The stance taken by Senator Tuberville is not representative of all conservatives or their views on diversity and inclusion in the military. It is a complex and nuanced topic with varying opinions within the conservative movement.

If service members are thinking and concerned about the experience their kids are having, they’re not going to be focused on their jobs.

ALEX WAGNER, ASST. AIR FORCE SECRETARY

Civilian lawmakers in the Republican Party, many of whom have never served and show no discernible credibility on how to run a modern-day military operation, are some of the loudest critics claiming such measures are a waste of time or injurious to morale. 

(Check out my MSNBC colleague Steve Benen’s excellent post on the GOP’s anti-diversity crusade against the military from January.)

Fortunately, people better equipped to make these judgments are speaking up. Pentagon officials have been setting the record straight this week.

At the Center for a New American Security’s annual National Security Conference on Tuesday, a high-ranking Air Force official explained that the nationwide wave of anti-LGBTQ laws passed by conservative lawmakers could hurt the military’s readiness. 

“When I’m forced to move families from installations because their school will do nothing when their LGBT kid is being bullied — that worries me, because that’s distracting from the mission, that’s detracting from our readiness,” said Alex Wagner, assistant Air Force secretary for manpower and reserve affairs. Defense One, a news site focused on national security, was the first outlet to report the comments. 

“If service members are thinking and concerned about the experience their kids are having, they’re not going to be focused on their jobs,” Wagner said. “They’re not gonna be focused on their mission.”

Seems logical, right? If military folks are worried about weirdo lawmakers obsessively finding ways to target their kids, they’re not going to be able to do the important stuff we expect them to do … like, y’know, protecting the nation.

The hits kept coming.

At a Department of Defense Pride Month event on Wednesday, Space Force Chief Operating Officer Lt. Gen. DeAnna Burt pointed out that “more than 400 anti-LGBTQ+ laws have been introduced at the state level” since January.

“That number is rising and demonstrates a trend that could be dangerous for our service members, their families and the readiness of the force as a whole,” she said.

click here to see full blog: https://www.msnbc.com/the-reidout/reidout-blog/pentagon-officials-say-gops-bigoted-bills-are-hurting-military-rcna88445?fbclid=IwAR0WF91gKs28BvpuMzWrqQ77Xmn8O1W2OQQUy_vZocDzmASUzDsJ5tD47oM

This blog originally appeared at Huff Post.

Judge Robert Hinkle issued a preliminary injunction, saying three transgender children can continue receiving treatment.

In Tallahassee, Florida, a federal judge, Robert Hinkle, has issued a preliminary injunction temporarily blocking portions of a new state law that prohibits transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers. The judge ruled on Tuesday that the state lacks a rational basis for denying this form of treatment to transgender patients. As a result, three transgender children involved in the lawsuit can continue receiving the treatment they need.

The lawsuit challenges the law that was signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. The law, which bans the use of puberty blockers for transgender minors, was enacted shortly before Governor DeSantis announced his run for president. The injunction means that the law’s enforcement is halted for now, pending further legal proceedings and a final decision on its constitutionality.

This ruling highlights the ongoing legal debates surrounding the rights and healthcare access for transgender individuals, particularly minors. It reflects the court’s recognition of the importance of gender identity and the need for medical treatments that are considered essential by healthcare professionals in supporting transgender youth.

The case will continue to be litigated, and the final outcome will determine the future of the Florida law regarding the use of puberty blockers for transgender minors.

click here to see full blog: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/transgender-health-florida-judge-blocks-ban-minor-care_n_647f6b38e4b091b09c3554a7