In a legal move against Florida's Subsection 3, teachers Katie Wood, Jane Doe, and AV Schwandes have filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent the enforcement of the regulation. The plaintiffs argue that this law is discriminatory against LGBTQ+ individuals. Ms. Wood and Ms. Doe are specifically requesting an injunction against their employers enforcing the subsection, while Mx. Schwandes seeks damages after being terminated for violating it.
The plaintiffs claim that Subsection 3 targets LGBTQ+ people by promoting a message that portrays transgender and nonbinary identities as harmful to children. This has reportedly led many educators to leave their jobs or even relocate from Florida due to such laws aimed at marginalizing LGBTQ+ communities in various public spheres.
Katie Wood expressed her concerns, stating: “There is no American right more fundamental than freedom of expression and protection from the government that weaponizes their disagreements on that expression. Subsection 3 violates both of these.” She emphasized her identity as a transgender teacher demanding fair treatment at work and vowed not to be silenced.
AV Schwandes shared their experience of losing employment over the issue: “I lost my job, and maybe my career, because Florida lawmakers don't want maturing young adults to know that I exist.” They highlighted the importance of mutual respect for civil rights alongside faith-based beliefs.
The case, titled Wood et al. v. Florida Department of Education et al., is backed by legal representation from the Southern Poverty Law Center, Southern Legal Counsel, and Altshuler Berzon LLP.
Plaintiffs’ attorneys commented on the filing: “Educators serve their students and communities best when working in safe spaces where they are respected, valued, and allowed to be themselves... These unlawful statutes have distracted and harmed teachers who want to teach.”
Further details on the complaint can be accessed online.