Sarasota's Superintendent Takes the Fall
Episodes 3 - 5
The public school advocate big guns came out on May 20 to attend the Sarasota County School Board meeting in an attempt to get answers from Superintendent Terry Connor. They expressed grave concern as to why language under the newly-revised Student Code Of Conduct - Discrimination, left out LGBTQ+ students from protection.
With over 580 pages of agenda items presented, and a week for citizens to comb through them, Support Our Schools (SOS) were among the first to discover this change and blasted out an email to community members.
The subsequent awareness resulted in calls and emails sent to school board members stating their confusion, anger and disappointment over the change. The item was then pulled and a following explanation came from Connor at the meeting.
Episode 3: The Superintendent Takes the Fall
Connor issued this statement before items were voted on and prior to public comment.
I do want to address one item tonight. I want to speak on item 10.14. This was an item that I pulled from the agenda. This item involves the advertisement on Student Code of Conduct which we do revise on an annual basis.
Code of Conduct goes through two levels of review. One is a committee process. That includes teachers, administrators, parents, community members. The focus of that review is to improve the clarity of implementation of the Code of Conduct and they did a commendable job. I want to thank the committee for all their work because it’s an investment of time, energy and resources.
The second level of review is our legal review. We do this to insure that all of the language aligns with state and federal statutes and laws and regulations.. And it’s the legal review that I want to address specifically and why I pulled the item.
When we did the revisions to Section 300.3 on discrimination, during that review, legal counsel did provide language as written that created, understandably, a concern in our community.
It appeared to weaken the protecting of some of our students based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
So our internal team did raise issue and had extensive conversation with our legal department, and it was my understanding that that concern was being resolved and had been addressed before we actually finalized that document and it was published. That didn’t happen. . .
The original language that was proposed at the time remained on the Code of Conduct draft and was actually published. So when I realized that, I pulled the item.
I have since directed staff to go back to the legal department, look at the revised language and match that language to what this board previously approved in other district documents, such as our student progression plan.
That language makes clear that we uphold an environment free from discrimination for all students. Insistent (sic) with every classification protected by state and Federal law. And that language avoids listing out specific groups to prevent excluding anyone by omission.
So, as the Superintendent, I am ultimately responsible for what appears on the agenda and what is published. So that was a miss. That language should have never made it to that point to a public agenda. So that’s why I know it triggered alarm in the community. I also know that each of these five board members, our staff, myself are aligned on this. It doesn’t matter who you are. Every student deserves to be in a safe, respected and protected environment. And that’s a non-negotiable.
. . .I would suggest you bring those concerns directly to me. These board members had nothing to do with the language that was proposed. Rest assured that language will be corrected in the June agenda.
The meeting had a different vibe, with board member Bridget Ziegler notably absent. There was no explanation why. She made it via phone for one vote at the beginning of the meeting and then crickets. Due to her very public stances on gender identity, which includes support of anti-gay laws and psychologically damaging antics towards the transgender community, one questions: Was she part of the committee and / or legal process that included the inflammatory change?
The savvy public wanted to know if this was “a miss”, as Connor called it or a deliberate move in hopes that this wouldn’t be caught in time. Some mentioned the North Port location being a factor (with some travelling an hour to get there), which could have meant a sparser audience in attendance that would protest.
Connor’s explanation on protections for all students, which falls short of a mea culpa, stated that “these five board members. . . are aligned on this.”
One would certainly hope so. To cement that thought, however, the public would need to hear that stance clearly and specifically from the missing board member herself - Ziegler.
Why does this matter if the language on June 10 will resume its protections for all students? Perhaps in the same way that history matters, so it doesn’t repeat itself.
Episode 4: Meet the Big Guns
Coming armed with facts, Equality Florida’s Jules Rayne took center stage as she adroitly voiced concerns for all LGBTQ+ students. She started by thanking the superintendent for his comments reconfirming the district’s “commitment to protect every student and keep them free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.”
The advocate cited various stats, including that the State of Florida filed 22 anti-LGBTQ bills. As a result, Ms. Rayne stated that LGBTQ youth want to leave the state. “They experience anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation at a rate four times higher than their non-LGBTQ peers.”
Making a poignant analogy of people sitting at a dinner table, she asked that the new language in the code of conduct make it equitable for all to have a seat at the table.
“Thankfully it was removed but the simple thought that it could be a reality was terrifying, as those protections are there for a reason” - Booker H.S. Sophomore, Avery Cole
It was a warm greeting for the return of Dick Stammer, a favorite among advocates, who had attended many school board meetings in the past. He began his three-minute speech by acknowledging the Superintendent’s words:
I want to thank Superintendent Connor for at least letting us know why it was removed from the agenda. I’m still a little confused about that and concerned that you were even forced in that position. . .
I’m a Universalist Unitarian of Sarasota and we believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. If we do not identify all students, we are not recognizing their inherent worth and dignity to be who they are.
So I ask that you make every effort to include the appropriate language that allow all of these students to be in this protected class.
I would not want to see them become political pawns as part of a political agenda.
J.T. Prior took to the podium as an advocate for public education and in his role as a Christian Minister who serves a rainbow congregation. He also thanked Connor for his statement, but asked for a commitment:
I do want you to uphold the language we currently have in our student codes of conduct. Language that is spelled out for them so they can feel at ease that if they’re experiencing something because of how they might be marginalized. . .that they can go to a trusted adult because it’s spelled out in policy.
Not one to pull any punches, Wendy Rosen stated firmly that she hopes this doesn’t reappear. She demanded that powers to be “look into the process and procedure that allowed this error to happen, because there should be consequences for something that was included in the agenda that obviously was not supposed to be.”
Deb Hayes reflected on her experience in the medical field:
One of the things I understood in that field is what’s currently referred to as the Hippocratic oath. . the concept is that above all else, do no harm.
To take out something that was specifically non-discrimination for our very very vulnerable students - that is causing harm.
I ask as you reconsider and as the staff come back with those recommendations for the student code of conduct, that we really specifically address the students who for the past two years have been coming to the board for protection. . . who happen to be LGBTQ. I would ask that you all take on the role of caretaker and do no harm.
Julie Forestier of SEE Alliance wanted a fuller transparency.
So the question that I would like an answer to is: Why was this even proposed? Let’s be honest — this was a targeted, unnecessary move that puts politics over students.
Tonight, I’m asking for three things:
A commitment to protect the full language of Section 300.3 of the student code of conduct
A commitment to reject any future efforts to weaken it.
And most of all, a commitment to put students first — always.
Board Member Liz Barker
In closing statements, board member Liz Barker enthusiastically wished parents a “Happy Maycember!”
She explained, “It is May which means it’s the same as Christmas time, but no presents. All the pressure.” The room broke out in an empathetic laugh.
On a serious note, she added, “With respect to the proposed changes in the student code of conduct, a huge thank you to Mr. Connor. The level of humility to say ‘I take responsibility for this.’ I appreciate that. That means a lot to me.
“It’s not just a policy stance for me, it’s a moral imperative that we much absolutely protect every student that walks through our doors.”
With each word punctuated, Barker concluded by saying: “All of us Matter.”
Board Member Tom Edwards stated that he had a lot to say on the student code of conduct. “But as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m going to reserve my comments tonight.”
He continued, “I will look forward to sharing them when and if that comes back on the agenda. . .because I think you know I’ve been a member of that community a long time.” Laughter erupted as Edwards conveyed a humorous tone. He noted seriously that he has been protecting “all students” for the time he has been on the dais.
Episode Five - Season Finale, The Cole Brothers
It was almost like Booker High School Student Kennedy Cole was the opening act for his twin brother Avery, as both took their turn at the podium. Kennedy’s appeal is through the roof. He could teach an advanced course to college students on public speaking. Kennedy thanked the board for having the meeting in North Port versus the standard location in mid-Sarasota. “It’s my turn to share the burden, take an hour drive.”
Ad-libbing through the speech, he extolled on the reasons and importance of returning to two monthly board meetings from a student’s perspective. “They want to talk to all your smiling faces.”
Avery presents an entirely different demeanor. He is approachable and captures the language, heart and soul of every student who has a story to tell. They may look and sound ordinary on the surface, but are extraordinary in revealing what everyone needs to hear about the student experience in 2025 Sarasota.
While adults were appalled by exclusions for trans and queer students in protections, and had fighting words against this miscalculation, it was Avery’s gentle, but firm and brave voice that gave deeper meaning.
Good evening. My name is Avery Cole and I’m a current sophomore at Booker High School. I have been really excited for this meeting as this is our last meeting of this school year. We finally made it.
But my emotions have been up and down over the last 24 hours. I was filled with dread before this meeting as it was put on the agenda to remove protections for queer and trans students. Thankfully it was removed but the simple thought that it could be a reality was terrifying, as those protections are there for a reason.
At the start of the second semester when I was indirectly assaulted when students threw a trash can over a bathroom stall door that hit me in the head, there were protections to make me feel safe.
I was told it was not because I was gay, but all I have been thinking of is what would have happened if this assault would have taken place because of my sexual orientation. If that item would have passed, how would my school make sure that I felt safe?
The fact that this language was considered and not one person caught this red flag before it was published to the public makes me wonder. Is it because there are so many agenda items to fit into one meeting a month? If it was, we might just want to bring back a meeting. If it is not this, whatever lead to this mishap should be fixed so it can be prevented in the future.
Queer and trans students are still students, who deserve to have protection that make them feel safe. I hope I never see that item on the agenda ever again, by mistake or on purpose. Thank you and have a good evening.
Set fades to black
Dear Bubbie Note: There was a buzz about the superintendent’s reactions and body language to the public speeches. It couldn’t be easy to sit there after admitting to “a miss” and still listening to the public continue to question motives or how it really happened.
If it was the legal team misunderstanding Connor, or simply removing the language that protects all students despite what he wanted, there needs to be an appropriate source of apology. Not defined as “a miss”, but an “I’m sorry” by the culpable party to students like Avery, who were “terrified”. Everything about this went against the school’s grain: “Every student, every day.” We all make mistakes, but this level of ‘slip-up’ requires a full disclosure. Also. . .
Thanks to the work of Equality Florida and the grassroots movement, every Anti-LGBTQ Bill was defeated in Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session
More public comments from the school board meeting coming up in the next Dear Bubbie, as well as the important correction Liz Barker made.
Interesting as a side note how Connor’s hair is very gray
Once again I owe you a bucket of thanks. As I've mentioned before I've painted myself into a corner by attending school board meetings since 2016 and only missing one. I'm expected to be there. Sort of like the bad penny. Although now that they're being made obsolete maybe that lets me off the hook. My point is my bad hearing makes me miss much of what's being said. Although some speakers could do with some pointers on how to use a mic and how to present. ;-) I can count on you to fill in the missing pieces. Thanks and be well!