The big story: Florida\u2019s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion from its education system continues to impact decisions at schools and universities.<\/p>\n
Among the latest moves, Polk State College has canceled its Introduction to African American Studies course, saying it violated state law<\/a>, WTSP reports.<\/p>\n Confusion over the state\u2019s exact intentions led an Escambia County high school\u2019s softball team booster club to withdraw its application for a $20,000 grant from a local organization that promotes diversity.<\/p>\n Saying they\u2019d rather be safe than sorry, the team walked away from seeking the money, for which it was one of nine finalists. It had planned to use the funding for needed new equipment. It remained unclear whether district rules prevented the booster club from accepting the grant.<\/p>\n Chuck Presti, who founded the organization offering the grant, expressed disappointment with the decision. \u201cThese young kids are the ones who are losing out because the adults in the room are not being adults or being realistic,\u201d he said. Read more from the Pensacola News-Journal<\/a>.<\/p>\n Charter schools: A Hillsborough County charter school defied the school board\u2019s decision to end its charter and reopened for classes<\/a> anyway.<\/p>\n Contract talks: Leon County teachers overwhelmingly rejected the school district\u2019s raise offer<\/a>, calling it an insult, the Tallahassee Democrat reports. \u2022 Bay County teachers are set to vote on a tentative agreement that would give all teachers a $500 raise<\/a> and set base pay at its highest level ever for the district, WMBB reports.<\/p>\n Free speech: An Orange County high school teacher has filed a grievance after being told to remove a poster<\/a> of Charlie Kirk from his classroom, WESH reports. The teacher said he has posters with inspirational quotes from several historic figures in his room. \u2022 Unlike other districts, the Manatee County school system has not received any complaints<\/a> of teachers making controversial social media comments about slain activist Charlie Kirk, the Bradenton Herald reports.<\/p>\n Student discipline: An Osceola County high school has limited students\u2019 access to certain bathrooms on campus as a way to stem a rise in student fights<\/a>, WFTV reports.<\/p>\n Superintendents: The Alachua County school board asked interim superintendent Kamela Patton if she\u2019d stay longer as the district continues to look for its next leader<\/a>, MainStreet Daily News reports.<\/p>\n TikTok challenge: Two Lee County high schoolers face possible expulsion and criminal charges after setting off stink bombs<\/a> in school, causing the school to evacuate and some students to be hospitalized, WBBH reports.<\/p>\n Vaccinations: Public health experts are projecting the possible effects if Florida ends school vaccine mandates<\/a>, WUSF reports. Some say to expect the worst.<\/p>\n From the police blotter … A former Sarasota County school bus driver was arrested on accusations of sexually abusing a teen student<\/a>, the Herald-Tribune reports.<\/p>\n From the court docket … The FHSAA is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reject an appeal<\/a> by Cambridge Christian School in its long-running battle over whether it should have been allowed to offer public prayer at a state championship football game, News Service of Florida reports.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss a story. Here\u2019s a link to yesterday\u2019s roundup<\/a>.<\/p>\n Before you go … What does your math class look like?<\/p>\n