Peter Schorsch
Democratic Rep. Shevrin Jones issued a statement Wednesday urging companies not to withhold donations to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program over some schools in the program discriminating against LGBTQ students.
Jones, a strong advocate of LGBTQ rights, acknowledged that discriminatory policies in place at some schools were a problem, but said a further exodus of corporate support will do more harm than good as lawmakers and education policy leaders work toward solutions.
“We must also make sure that every school — whether they are public, private, or parochial — prioritizes student safety and has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination,” Jones said.
“Ripping scholarship funding out from underneath thousands of economically vulnerable students whose only chance at a safe environment and solid education is not the answer. While we come together to create policies to ensure these conditions, I urge companies not to end their support for students in the short term.”
Jones’ statement comes a day after some House Democrats joined more than 100 black and Hispanic religious leaders and supporters who came to the Capitol and called on companies to continue supporting the program. Among those speaking was Rep. James Bush of Miami and Rep. Wengay Newton of St. Petersburg.
During the Tuesday event, pastor Robert Ward with the African American Ministers Alliance for Parental Choice said the recent corporate pullouts have cost the program $7 million, which could provide about 1,000 scholarships to Florida students.
Also speaking was Elijah Robinson, a high school senior who transferred to The Foundation Academy, a faith-based private school in Jacksonville, after being bullied in public schools because of his gender identity.
“I know what is being debated right now is really complicated,” he said. “My hope is everybody takes the time to think carefully through this. Please don’t do anything that could result in fewer scholarships, because if that happens, students like me will get hurt, not helped.”
One comment
Ward Posey
February 5, 2020 at 4:30 pm
I asked my company to pull support. This is not a scholarship, it is taking money from public education and giving it to private and religious education. some of these schools have been proven to be owned by various legislators in Tallahassee and or their spouses. It is a crooked scheme. If you would like to debate this I am available. If you want to send your kids to private school, do it, just don’t ask me to subsidize you with my tax money. PERIOD.
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