A federal appeals court ruled 2-1 against Katie Wood, a transgender teacher in Florida, affirming that the state's expanded "don't say gay" law prohibits her from using female pronouns in class. The decision reverses a previous ruling that had protected her right to self-identify. The judges emphasized that her speech during class is considered official duties, thus falling under state governance. A dissenting opinion highlighted the importance of her personal speech rights in a matter of public concern.
"Wood's suit, by her own admission, challenges only the statute's application to her speech 'in the classroom.' That means the state law governs her actions as an employee of the state, and does not infringe on her rights as a private citizen."
"When a public-school teacher addresses her students within the four walls of a classroom whether orally or in writing - she is unquestionably acting 'pursuant to [her] official duties.' Interacting with students during class time, quite literally, is a teacher's 'official duty,' the opinion reads."
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