Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis has instructed the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) to suspend four schools from the school choice scholarships due to purported affiliations with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Schools under scrutiny
The FDOE investigation highlighted four institutions: Lower and Upper Sagemont Preparatory Schools located in Weston, Parke House Academy, and Park Maitland School, both in Winter Park.
According to the investigation’s findings, the relationships these schools allegedly maintained with the CCP posed an “imminent threat to the health, safety, and welfare of these school’s students and the public.”
Governor DeSantis reinforced the state’s position, asserting that any alignment with the Chinese Communist Party is not acceptable in Florida.
He emphasized the importance of shielding students from communist ideologies and expressed concerns about using state funds for institutions potentially linked to external adversaries.
Schools respond to allegations
In the wake of the fund suspension, Sagemont Preparatory School, one of the targeted institutions, countered the allegations when speaking to NBC6.
According to NBC6, the school expressed surprise at the suspension, pointing out they had received no prior communication from the State regarding the decision.
Sagemont underscored its commitment to quality education and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.
The school also stressed its reputation as a top private institution in their region, citing its dedication to academic excellence as a primary reason why parents trust them with their children’s education.
Sagemont categorically denied affiliations to any foreign or domestic political entities, emphasizing the accredited and rigorous nature of their curriculum.
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