In a recent development, a nonbinary teacher from Florida is taking legal action against the state’s education department, alleging discrimination. AV Schwandes, who identifies as nonbinary and uses “they/them” pronouns, was fired from their position at the Florida Virtual School for using the gender-neutral honorific “Mx.” in their email signature. This move led to a lawsuit against the school and the state, claiming that it violates their rights.
Challenging the “Don’t Say Gay” Law
AV Schwandes’ use of the honorific “Mx.” became a point of contention when the school asked them to change it to comply with Florida’s controversial Parental Rights in Education Act, often referred to as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. This legislation initially restricted discussions of “sexual orientation or gender identity” in kindergarten through third grade and was later expanded to encompass a wider range of grade levels and impose restrictions on pronouns and titles that don’t align with a person’s birth sex.
Legal Battle for Equal Rights
In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Schwandes, along with two other Florida teachers who are transgender women, argues that the law’s prohibition on using pronouns and titles consistent with their gender identities constitutes discrimination based on sex. They claim that this policy violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fourteenth Amendment’s equal protection clause, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
A Cry for Recognition and Equality
Schwandes emphasized the importance of their case, stating, “I lost my job, and maybe my career, because Florida lawmakers don’t want maturing young adults to know that I exist.” They stressed that tolerance should be a two-way street and that their civil rights, as an American, should be respected. This lawsuit shines a light on the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and representation within the education system.
As this legal battle unfolds, both supporters and opponents of Florida’s controversial legislation await the outcome, which could have far-reaching implications for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in the state’s educational institutions.