TikTok out at Florida universities amid data security fears
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The big story: Florida’s universities have quickly moved to ban access to several social media sites on school devices and networks.
The biggest name is TikTok, but others including Kapersky and WeChat also are on the list. The big concerns revolve around data security on these foreign-owned platforms.
Universities also are allowed to ban additional software and hardware projects. The mandates do not apply to private schools or to privately-owned devices using non-government data services. Read more here.
K-12 schools soon could follow the lead, as lawmakers are advancing legislation (HB 379 / SB 52) dealing with social media in the public schools, including similar limitations.
Hot topics
Transgender student athletes: The Biden administration announced a proposal to allow transgender athletes to participate in school sports consistent with their gender identity. The DeSantis administration said it would fight the action. • The U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene in the case of a West Virginia transgender student athlete seeking to participate in girls cross country events at school, The Hill reports.
School safety: Duval County schools reported about 300 threats in the first six months of the school year, WJXT reports.
Higher ed leadership: Florida Atlantic University faculty members raised worries that a proposal to place firebrand state Rep. Randy Fine in the school’s presidency could harm the upcoming executive search, WLRN reports.
Charter schools: The leader of Tallahassee Classical Academy’s board challenged the Leon County school district’s allegation that the charter school is not complying with its contract, the Tallahassee Democrat reports.
Book challenges: Speaking in Michigan, Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized “the media and the left” for associating his effort to remove pornographic materials from schools with book banning, The National Desk reports. • The Citrus County School Board is poised to adopt revised policies on book adoptions, to include expanded rules on public challenges, the Citrus County Chronicle reports. • Florida education commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. issued his recommended reading list for April, including books about Ruby Bridges and Rosa Parks, WTSP reports. Stories about both civil rights leaders had been the subject of controversy in recent weeks.
Other school news
A Hernando County private school fell behind in paying the school district for cafeteria services. The district agreed to give the school until July to catch up, Hernando Sun reports.
Aspiring teachers attending Florida Gulf Coast University are learning how to discipline students. They’re using computer simulations to practice, WINK reports.
The Duval County school district mistakenly sent out school choice lottery results before they were audited. Several families received incorrect information about their children’s school status, WJXT reports.
Three Miami-Dade County School Board members attended the bill signing for expanding school vouchers in Florida. Critics say they’re advancing an agenda that conflicts with their commitment to public education, the Miami Herald reports.
From the police blotter ... An Osceola County high school employee and coach was arrested on allegations of sexual misconduct with students, WKMG reports. • A Palm Beach County teen was arrested on accusations of having a gun on campus, WPTV reports.
Don’t miss a story. Here’s a link to yesterday’s roundup.
Before you go ... Enjoy some new bluegrass from an amazing group of musicians.
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