Florida Dept of Education removes FSW professor from panel over alleged gender-related coursework

A Florida SouthWestern State College professor faces discipline for what the Florida Department of Education claims is promotion of “gender ideology” in course materials.According to the department, Phillip Wiseley, Ph.D., a sociology professor, is accused of using instructional materials promoting gender studies in his SYG 1000: Introduction to Sociology course.They said the materials violate a Florida state statute in section 1007.55, which does not allow general education courses to be based on content that is considered “unproven, speculative or exploratory.”The DOE did not provide any specifics on the coursework materials and or examples.The department said it has removed Wiseley from the statewide sociology course workgroup. The workgroup is used to provide recommendations on requirements for the sociology curriculum.In addition, the department of education is recommending FSW’s president, Jeffery Allbritten, take further disciplinary action.The college declined to comment on the state’s actions, saying, “We are not permitted to comment on personnel issues.”Gulf Coast News has also reached out to the Florida Department of Education and the commissioners office for further details.This is a developing story.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A Florida SouthWestern State College professor faces discipline for what the Florida Department of Education claims is promotion of “gender ideology” in course materials.

According to the department, Phillip Wiseley, Ph.D., a sociology professor, is accused of using instructional materials promoting gender studies in his SYG 1000: Introduction to Sociology course.

They said the materials violate a Florida state statute in section 1007.55, which does not allow general education courses to be based on content that is considered “unproven, speculative or exploratory.”

The DOE did not provide any specifics on the coursework materials and or examples.

The department said it has removed Wiseley from the statewide sociology course workgroup. The workgroup is used to provide recommendations on requirements for the sociology curriculum.

In addition, the department of education is recommending FSW’s president, Jeffery Allbritten, take further disciplinary action.

The college declined to comment on the state’s actions, saying, “We are not permitted to comment on personnel issues.”

Gulf Coast News has also reached out to the Florida Department of Education and the commissioners office for further details.

This is a developing story.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.