Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis asked state universities to count the number and ages of students who have sought or received gender reassignment treatment, including gender reassignment surgery and hormone prescriptions, according to a survey released Wednesday. asking.
It wasn’t entirely clear why he was conducting an investigation. DeSantis has been criticized by LGBTQ advocates for policies they see as discriminatory. Prohibition of Sexual and Gender Identity Guidance Make it easier for parents to remove books related to this topic in public schools.
House Democratic House Leader Fentris Driskel said, “We are seeing cuts in funding for universities to treat students with this disease, and they are definitely considering eliminating the service altogether.” I think,’ he said.
The survey supports DeSantis’ anti-wake agenda, rejects the “progressive higher education indoctrination agenda” and calls for “elimination of all waked positions and ideologies by February 1, 2023.” It was announced on the same day college presidents voted to commit. Ministry of Education news release.
The survey is sent to the university’s board of trustees by Chris Spencer, DeSantis’ budget director.
“Our office has learned that several state universities provide services to people who suffer from gender dysphoria,” Spencer wrote. Please answer the related enclosed questions.”
The governor’s office did not respond to emails and phone calls seeking information about the purpose of the investigation, which should be completed by Feb. 10. protect the public interest.
Driskell said DeSantis is trying to remake the state university “in his own image” in terms of what is taught and how students are treated.
“I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a really scary place we’re in in the history of Florida,” Driskel said. It’s a brain drain that doesn’t want to attend a public university.”
This survey is similar to the survey governors are compelling state universities to complete regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and spending on critical race theory programs.
The current memo calls on universities to “provide the number of times they have received sex reassignment treatment or where such treatment has been sought,” and to provide data on students referred to other facilities. . It says to protect the student’s identity when completing the information.
In this study, students were prescribed hormones or hormone antagonists, or had medical procedures such as mastectomy, breast augmentation, genital mutilation and reconstruction, regardless of whether the student was 18 years of age or older. should be categorized by age.
