Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is looking for information on transgender students in universities
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration is seeking information on university students who have sought gender-affirming treatment, according to a survey released Wednesday.
The Republican governor’s top officials requested data from 12 state universities to determine the number and treatment received by students with gender dysphoria.
“Our office has learned that several state universities provide services to persons suffering from gender dysphoria,” Chris Spencer, director of the Office of Policy and Budget for DeSantis, wrote to the schools in a memo dated Jan.11. The memo was made available to the public on Wednesday.
“On behalf of the Governor, I hereby request that you respond to the enclosed inquiries related to such services,” Spencer added.
It’s not immediately clear why the DeSantis administration is after transgender students’ personal information, but some Democrats say the move might signal a plan to scale back on health services offered to trans individuals.
“I think an all-out elimination of services is certainly on the table,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, who thinks cuts in university funding could soon follow.
The survey, which must be completed by schools by Feb. 10, was made public on the same day when a group of university presidents publicly announced their support for what they called “DeSantis’ vision of higher education.”
Presidents of Florida College System (FCS), released a joint statement rejecting “woke” diversity and “critical race theory ideologies,” while showing their commitment to “providing students with higher education opportunities that are free from indoctrination.”
Because of his support of a controversial law that bans the discussion of LGBTQ issues at schools, DeSantis was an ideological hero in conservative and religious circles throughout the state.
The much-publicized enacting of the legislation — dubbed by opponents as the “Don’t Say Gay” law — has been followed by a dramatic increase in anti-LGBTQ vitriol Social media and in-person protests against LGBTQ youth events in the state.
According to Orlando police, a man was caught by security camera footage on Wednesday shattering several windows Two local LGBTQ businesses were reported by WKMG-TV.
News Wire Services