TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Florida Education Association says Monday’s ruling is a victory for schools all around the state of Florida, as the executive order to reopen brick and mortar schools by August 31 or lose funding was ruled unconstitutional.
The FEA filed a lawsuit shortly after the mandate was issued on July 6, claiming the order was in violation of the constitution's safe and secure public education guarantee.
Judge Dodson sided with the FEA Monday, allowing school districts to reopen based on what they deem safe for their students.
It's what the association says should have been priority from the start.
"It is a pushback on reckless disregard on human life," said Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers. "It is a pushback on politics overtaking safety and the science and the well being of communities.”
Fred Piccolo, a spokesperson for the governor's office, released a statement reacting to the judge's decision:
“We intend to appeal this ruling and are confident in our position and in the authority of the Commissioner and the Governor to do what is best for our students.”
The legal team for the FEA says the state can appeal which would mean an automatic stay in the ruling given Monday and they would have to go back to Judge Dodson to get that lifted again.
