MELBOURNE—At a recent meeting of the Brevard County School Board, residents urged board members to add language to school district policy that would ban discrimination against LGBT individuals.
The board at its May 26 meeting decided not to take any immediate action, however, and requested more information about how any changes might impact existing policy.
Current school district policy defines harassment and nondiscrimination toward employees but does not specifically mention LGBT individuals.
“It is not asking for much. We’re asking for seven words added to your nondiscrimination policy,” said Scott Wall-DeSousa, a local realtor. His partner, Daniel Wall-DeSousa, a teacher from Palm Bay, added, “The policy turns a blind eye to the LGBT community. I hope that you’ll want to stand on the right side of history.”
Board members asked attorney Harold Bistline several questions, including whether or not current policy covers LGBT people. Bistline assured board members that the district is in compliance with state and federal laws.
“I need more information to make me want to change this. I need to know what the impacts are. What does this really mean? I guess I just don’t understand why everything isn’t already covered?” said school board member Karen Henderson.
Member Misty Belford added to the topic to the school board agenda. “I feel that it’s important that you know that we are hearing you,” Belford said to the small crowd gathered to speak on the issue.
Residents have come before the board four times since October. The Brevard County Commission also got a request related to gay rights recently.
“We need to be forward-thinking and create equality for all in Brevard County,” said Cynthia Sweet, a real estate agent and president of the local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays and Transgender Persons.
Jessica Saggio of Florida Today contributed to this report.