COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – In a lengthy discussion Tuesday, the Broward County School Board postponed the vote on whether to suspend or terminate a Broward Schools employee and mother of a transgender athlete.
The case centers around a student from Monarch High School in Coconut Creek, who school officials say violated the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act by participating in a girls’ volleyball team despite being born male.
In response, the district initially suspended the school’s principal and assistant principal, but they were reinstated following student protests and an investigation.
Jessica Norton, the mother and employee in question, faces possible termination after being accused of falsifying documents and allowing her daughter to join the team. She criticized the school district, accusing investigators of insensitivity for refusing to use her child’s preferred pronouns.
Dr. Jeff Holness, a Broward County Schools board member, said he did not believe termination was appropriate.
“I don’t believe termination is the right consequence,” he said. “The child has already been significantly impacted.”
Vice Chair Debra Hixon also emphasized that the issue was about an employee’s actions, not politics or the child.
“This is about the actions of an adult an employee of the district,” said Hixon. “Her protecting her daughter affected so many other people. We may not like the law. We may not agree with it. But unfortunately, it’s a law we have to follow.”
The board’s discussion came after the Coconut Creek school was fined $16,500 for violating the law, and the coaches and team were placed on probation. Norton had previously been suspended.
The board decided to postpone the vote on termination until their next meeting.
Norton responded, stating that her daughter will continue her studies online next year.
After deliberation, the board proposed removing termination from consideration, suggesting a 10-day suspension instead. They decided to seek more information on employees terminated for breaking state law before making a final decision.
Public comments during the meeting were mixed. One speaker supported termination, citing violations of state law, common sense and science. Another opposed termination, urging the separation of politics from the decision.
“This is not only a violation of state law, this is a violation of common sense, this is a violation of science,” said a woman who attended Tuesday’s board meeting.
“I am not in favor of terminating this employee. We need to separate politics from whether a person did something wrong or not,” another attendee said.
Jennifer Solomon, a member of Equality Florida expressed hope that the board will consider the emotional and financial toll on Norton and her family when making their decision.
“It’s been very taxing on my family and we deserve a resolution,” said Norton.
Jennifer Solomon of Equality Florid, an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ students and families, sent Local 10 News a statement on the issue Tuesday afternoon, which you can read here:
“This mom has experienced an immense emotional and financial toll, simply for loving, supporting and affirming her child. We hope that the school board reflects on what this parent and her family have already endured when they make their recommendation for disciplinary action,” said Solomon.
This issue has sparked strong reactions, with some supporting the termination and others arguing that the employee is being unfairly targeted.