Ft Lauderdale’s Jessica Norton Risked Her Job So Trans Daughter Could Play Girls Sports

Описание: When Jessica Norton became the "team mom" for her daughter's volleyball team, she never imagined it would jeopardize her job. However, her commitment to supporting her trans daughter thrust her into the center of a national controversy regarding transgender participation in sports. The Broward County School Board initiated disciplinary actions against both the school and Norton, alleging violations of Florida's Fairness in Women's Sports Act. She recalled the shock of discovering that her name was publicized during the investigation, despite being assured of confidentiality. While Norton was suspended for ten days, she retains her long-term position with the school district. Her daughter, whose name is withheld for privacy, has since transferred to Florida Virtual School. The family has also filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state's ban on trans athletes, which Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law in 2021. Norton’s attorney, Jason Starr, expressed concern over the nature of the investigation, saying,

“This investigation was placed on a track that's normally reserved for criminal conduct or very serious alleged violations of harm to students.”

Despite the turmoil, no students reported harm from her daughter's participation, and her teammates welcomed her. Norton said,

“The only child that was harmed in this entire investigation was my own child.”

Norton has suggested she will continue her fight for her daughter. She said she initially misunderstood her child's identity, now advocates for her daughter’s rights and well-being. Norton said,

“I love Florida... but I shouldn’t have to uproot my entire life because of the ridiculous politics.”