DeSantis halts school choice at 4 FL schools linked to CCP.
Florida Suspends School Choice Scholarships for Schools with Ties to Chinese Communist Party
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken decisive action against four schools in the state that have direct connections to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a bold move, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has suspended the availability of school choice scholarships to these schools, citing concerns for the safety and well-being of students.
The investigation conducted by FDOE revealed that Lower and Upper Sagemont Preparatory Schools in Weston, Parke House Academy in Winter Park, and Park Maitland School in Winter Park maintain direct ties with the CCP. These connections were deemed an imminent threat to the students and the public.
According to a statement from the governor’s office, the decision to suspend these schools from the scholarship programs is a necessary step to protect students from any influence associated with the CCP. The statement can be found here.Governor DeSantis expressed his firm stance on the matter, stating on X, “[FDOE] has found four schools that have direct ties to the CCP. We are suspending them from Florida’s school choice scholarship programs, effective immediately. We will not allow Florida’s tax dollars to go to schools with connections to adversarial foreign nations.”This action is part of Florida’s ongoing efforts to distance itself from any influences associated with the CCP. In May, Governor DeSantis signed three laws, including SB 846, Agreements of Educational Entities with Foreign Entities, which prohibits schools affiliated with foreign countries of concern, such as China’s communist regime, from participating in Florida’s school choice scholarship programs.The directive to suspend these four schools from the program is just one of the many educational reforms enacted by Governor DeSantis to address concerns related to the CCP. The state has taken significant measures to protect itself, including banning the CCP and other foreign countries of concern from buying agricultural land in Florida or making land purchases near sensitive locations. Additionally, access to TikTok has been blocked on educational institution servers and devices due to security concerns.
Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. echoed Governor DeSantis’ sentiments, emphasizing that the CCP has no place in Florida’s schools. He expressed gratitude for the governor’s commitment to keeping students and communities safe from foreign countries of concern.
Schools Respond
Sagemont Preparatory School and Park Maitland Schools, two of the suspended schools, issued statements in response to the suspension. They expressed their surprise at the decision and their commitment to working with families to ensure continued enrollment. Both schools emphasized their local governance, adherence to laws, and lack of ties to any government or political party, foreign or domestic.
Florida’s actions have made it clear that the state will not tolerate any influence from the CCP. Governor DeSantis and the FDOE are collaborating with scholarship funding organizations to assist affected students in finding alternative eligible schools.
This report was updated with comments from the schools.
How does the FDOE’s decision to sever ties with schools connected to the CCP align with the broader concern surrounding foreign entities’ influence in American classrooms and the urgency to address this issue
Art of the ongoing efforts to maintain the safety and security of Florida’s educational institutions. The investigation conducted by FDOE was prompted by concerns raised about potential influence and interference from the Chinese Communist Party. The findings revealed direct ties between the four schools and the CCP, which were deemed a threat to the well-being of students and the public.
By suspending the availability of school choice scholarships to these schools, the FDOE aims to protect students from any potential influence associated with the CCP. Governor DeSantis emphasized the importance of safeguarding Florida’s tax dollars, stating that the state will not allocate funds to schools with connections to adversarial foreign nations.
The decision to suspend these schools from the scholarship programs underscores the state’s commitment to prioritize the safety and well-being of students. It serves as a clear message that Florida will not tolerate any association with organizations that pose a threat to its educational system.
The FDOE’s action aligns with a broader concern surrounding the influence of foreign entities in American classrooms. It comes as U.S. lawmakers are increasingly seeking to address the presence and impact of the CCP on educational institutions across the country. Recent hearings, such as the House Education Subcommittee on ‘Loosening the CCP’s Grip on America’s Classrooms,’ highlight the urgency of addressing this issue.
The FDOE’s decision sends a strong message that Florida will not tolerate any compromise to the educational system’s integrity and the welfare of its students. By severing ties with schools connected to the CCP, the state is taking a proactive approach to protect students from potential threats and maintain the autonomy of its educational system.
This action also serves as a call to other states and educational institutions to be vigilant and thoroughly examine their connections with organizations that may compromise the safety and well-being of students. It is crucial to prioritize national security and protect the integrity of American education.
Moving forward, Florida will continue to take decisive action against any threats to the state’s educational system. The suspension of school choice scholarships to these four schools marks a significant step in safeguarding Florida’s educational institutions from foreign influence and ensuring the well-being of its students. It is an affirmation of Governor DeSantis’ commitment to maintaining the integrity and autonomy of Florida’s educational system.
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