Florida GOP's 'slate of hate' affects all of us: Letters to the Editor, May 21, 2023

Who's defining BPS policy?

On March 30, the Brevard Public Schools school board met for a work session to review all policies in the 1000s section. If you watch the video on the BPS YouTube channel and scroll to 3:37:00, District 5 board representative Katye Campbell asks for the dress code policy review to be pushed off the agenda for the next school board meeting so that feedback the board asked to be compiled from principals could be collected. Insert District 2 representative Gene Trent interrupting to say, “Just to be clear, just because we are asking for feedback from the administration and principals, they’re not changing policy … just like media specialists.”

Ignoring the dig at our media specialists who spoke passionately just two days prior about unrealistic expectations being placed on their shoulders, I found what Mr. Trent said quite bold. Bolder even when just over a month later Chairperson Matt Susin cites his daughter, who he referred to as “the number one lobbyist for elementary schools” complaining about “furry behavior.” For the record, Mr. Trent did not say anything about the family members of the school board members’ changing policy. Nor does changing the dress code change behavior.

The debate over cat ear headbands is far from over as the school board alliance of three settled on the ambiguous wording of banning dress that emulates anything non-human, but what has been decided is the utter lack of respect board member Gene Trent has for our administrators and principals. No wonder they are leaving in droves.

Kelly Kervin, Palm Bay

Disney, DeSantis and dollars

Thank you, Disney, for doing your best to support our governor, (he will never acknowledge it). Due to your ability to attract visitors to your parks, there is (at least) $16 million available for his defense against you. No irony there.

Our 'Yes, sir" legislature has virtually ignored the really important issues that their constituents desperately need: relief from inflation; rectifying the high insurance rates; and addressing the gun/shooting epidemic plaguing schools, nightclubs and streets.

P.S. Passing "permitless carry" gun legislation is "one giant leap for mankind"  — one giant leap backwards.

Garey Hartman, Melbourne

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New laws have negative impact on all

The “slate of hate” and S.B, 300 passed by our GOP-held legislature and signed into law by presidential hopeful and governor of Florida when it suits his political ambitions, Ron DeSantis, is chilling in its aggregate impact. Elected officials have willingly put the well-being and safety of Floridians in serious jeopardy because of religious ideology and for political currency.

I guarantee that if you do not feel affected by these laws, you care deeply about someone who is. They dramatically impact a family member, friend, colleague, or neighbor. They are ill-defined measures designed to sow confusion and breed contempt rather than improve our lives or safeguard our communities. They violate both “love thy neighbor” and our constitutional rights.

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These laws don’t just assault the freedoms of the LGBTQ+ and women of childbearing age in our state, they curtail the liberty of healthcare providers, educators, and others. If you don’t think they impact you, someone you love does not feel safe being honest and authentic in your presence. Consider that carefully.

Floridians of good conscience should be appalled by this blatant violation of these lawmakers’ oath of office to support, protect, and defend the constitutions of the U.S. and Florida. These laws are brazenly undemocratic and shockingly immoral. Taxpayers will be funding their legal defense for months, maybe years to come.I pray Florida voters pledge their loyalty to the state and their country the next time they cast a ballot and cease supporting an agenda of bigotry and discord.

The Rev. Ann Fuller, Melbourne

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Governor, legislators aren't listening

We could not write this letter without becoming emotional and tearing up. The May 7 FLORIDA TODAY article titled “Trauma Session” was a vivid description of how our state government is forcing many people to endure pain and suffering. By reading this story, it caused us to have a conversation and question why these situations are even an issue.

Why are our governor and Republican legislators so afraid of someone being part of the LGBTQ+ community? What is the problem with a woman making her own health decisions? Is there something evil about discussing diversity, equity and inclusion? How can our elected officials not listen to Florida citizens who are “begging lawmakers to leave them and their community alone?”

The governor and legislators are our employees, and yet, they do not seem to listen to all their employers; rather, only a select group. When elected to their respective offices, their job description included making life better for all Floridians -- for example, dealing with responsible gun ownership reform. Homelessness, which includes many veterans. The cost of property insurance. Aging infrastructure. The educational system.

When reading this article, it reminded us of the characters from the “Wizard of Oz” a fairy tale written by L. Frank Baum. This current legislative body is made of Scarecrows who need brains, Tin Woodsmen who need a heart and Cowardly Lions who need courage. Unfortunately, this fairy tale will not have a happily ever after ending for everyone.

Anita and Hardy Moore, Merritt Island

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Gov. DeSantis and 'slate of hate': Letters to the Editor, May 21, 2023