A Broward County principal and two other school officials were reassigned on Monday while district officials conduct an investigation into “allegations of improper student participation in sports.”
According to reports, the reassignment stems from the violation of a recent state law that governs sports and gender. State law, introduced by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, prohibits transgender athletes in public schools and colleges from playing on female teams.
The principal, assistant principal, and athletic director were reassigned as part of the move, the sources said.
In a written statement, the district declined to provide details about the nature of the investigation, saying only that it involved the principal of Monarch High School and several school staffers.
“Although we cannot comment further, we will continue to follow state law and will take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation,” district spokesman John Sullivan said in a written statement. “We are committed to providing all our students with a safe and inclusive learning environment.”
Sources say the controversy concerns a volleyball player at the high school who transitioned from male to female several years ago.
The district’s superintendent, in consultation with the regional superintendent, made the decision to reassign Principal James Cecil and the two others after an allegation was made that a girl’s volleyball team player had been born a male.
Officials did not comment on the nature of the investigation or say what led to the probe.
The school says its students are able to participate in a variety of activities, according to its website.
“Monarch students are provided leadership opportunities through co-curricular and extra-curricular activities,” the district said. “Student government, clubs, chorus, band, sports teams, debate, academic games, and other activities allow students to develop connections to the school and the community. School activities develop character, critical thinking, and sociability, characteristics leading to lifelong success.”
