Florida School Board Requests Resignation of Moms for Liberty Co-Founder
- The Sarasota County School Board is experiencing a rift due to Bridget Ziegler’s refusal to resign despite her four other colleagues voting for her to do so. Her resignation is demanded due to her involvement in a three-way sexual relationship that came to light during a sexual assault investigation into her husband, Christian Ziegler.
- Although the board and the public have called for her resignation, only the Florida Governor could remove her from her seat, and there’s no indication that she plans on stepping down. Bridget Ziegler won her most recent election in August 2022, and her term expires in 2026 if she chooses not to resign.
- Ziegler has been criticized for her hypocritical behavior as she has advocated for legislation such as the Parental Rights in Education Act and posted transphobic content on her social media. Over 70 people spoke during the public comment section of a recent board meeting, most of them urging Ziegler to resign. This controversy has been seen as a distraction from the work of the School Board focused on student achievement.
Sarasota County School Board Resists Calls for Bridget Ziegler’s Resignation
On Tuesday, at the year’s final Sarasota County School Board meeting, board member Bridget Ziegler faced an agenda primarily focused on a resolution for her resignation. Despite the unanimous vote of Ziegler’s four board colleagues and the majority of public comments supporting her resignation, Ziegler gave no indication of stepping down.
Ziegler’s involvement in a sexual relationship came to light during an investigation into a sexual assault allegation against her husband, Christian Ziegler. The board’s legal counsel, Patrick Duggan, specified that the resolution is merely “ceremonial,” as the board lacks the power to remove a member. Ziegler currently holds a governor-appointed position on the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District.
Only Florida Governor Ron DeSantis could oust Ziegler from her seat. If Ziegler chose to resign, the governor would appoint a replacement to serve until the 2024 election cycle. Before the meeting, board Chairwoman Karen Rose and members Tom Edwards and Tim Enos publicly urged Ziegler to resign. Both conservative and liberal School Board activist groups also called for Ziegler’s resignation.
Public Speaks Out on Ziegler’s Resignation
During three hours of public commentary, many denounced Ziegler and urged her to resign. Some supporters, including Martin Hyde, an unsuccessful congressional and city commission candidate in Sarasota, applauded Ziegler’s decision to attend the meeting and dismissed the resignation resolution as a political manoeuvre. Activists and representatives from groups like Equality Florida also called for Ziegler’s resignation, citing harm to the LGBTQ+ community and a “circus” atmosphere on the school board.
Protests and Rallies Against Ziegler
Before the board meeting, activist groups rallied outside the board chambers, calling for Ziegler’s resignation and denouncing her “hypocrisy”. More than 50 people gathered to hear activists speak against Ziegler. “I’m not a big believer in karma, but this is a pretty good advertisement for it,” said Tsi Day Smyth, a parent of four Sarasota students. A counter-protester interrupted the rally, calling for the resignation of board member Edwards instead.
—
Read More USA News
Leave a Comment