Moms For Liberty Leader Bridget Ziegler Still Hasn’t Resigned Over Sex Scandal – And People in Florida Aren’t Happy
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Members of the LGBTQ+ community, parents, and students in Sarasota County, Florida, have gathered at a school board meeting to demand the resignation of Bridget Ziegler, co-founder of the anti-LGBTQ+ group Moms for Liberty. Ziegler has faced intense backlash after it was revealed that her husband, Christian Ziegler, was accused of rape and she admitted to participating in a same-sex encounter. Despite calls for her resignation, Ziegler has refused to step down from her position on the board.
The allegations against Christian Ziegler are currently under investigation by the police. He denies the accusations, stating that the sexual encounter was consensual. However, following the allegations, Republicans in Florida voted to remove him as the state party chairman. Bridget Ziegler, on the other hand, remains on the school board despite the board’s vote to oust her. The vote is non-binding, and only Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has the power to force Ziegler to resign.
During the school board meeting, retired deputy superintendent of Maryland schools, John Smeallie, condemned Ziegler as “a hypocrite of the worst order.” He criticized her for campaigning against LGBTQ+ rights while engaging in behavior that contradicts her beliefs. Smeallie argued that Ziegler’s actions create fear among LGBTQ+ students and staff within the school district.
One 12-year-old student expressed their fear that the school board would continue to pass anti-queer policies that would hinder their ability to learn and grow. The student’s testimony highlighted the detrimental impact of discriminatory policies on LGBTQ+ students’ mental health and educational experience.
Several speakers also criticized other board members, including Timothy Enos, Robyn Marinelli, and chairwoman Karen Rose, for their lack of action regarding Ziegler’s refusal to resign. They argued that by not holding Ziegler accountable, these board members were failing to protect the best interests of the students and the community.
Jennifer Bowles, a parent of three students in the district, stated that Ziegler’s presence on the board was a distraction and showed a lack of compassion for students, teachers, and the community. The sentiment echoed throughout the meeting, with many attendees expressing their frustration with Ziegler’s refusal to step down despite the controversy surrounding her.
While a few individuals spoke in support of Ziegler, the overwhelming majority condemned her actions and called for her immediate resignation. Hannah Silva, a senior at Sarasota Polytechnical High School, accused Ziegler of derailing education and turning schools into a political playground. She urged Ziegler to step down, stating that her time on the board was over and that enough was enough.
The demand for Ziegler’s resignation stems from the hypocrisy of her position within Moms for Liberty. As a co-founder of an anti-LGBTQ+ organization, Ziegler actively campaigned against LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion. However, revelations about her involvement in a same-sex encounter and her husband’s alleged rape have exposed her as a hypocrite.
The controversy surrounding Bridget Ziegler has damaged the image of the Sarasota County school system in the eyes of students and the wider world. It has highlighted the urgent need for accountability and inclusivity within educational institutions. As investigations into the allegations against Christian Ziegler continue, it remains to be seen whether Governor Ron DeSantis will exercise his power to force Bridget Ziegler to resign from her position on the school board.
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Bridget Ziegler sex scandal, Moms For Liberty leader, resignation, Florida, unhappy people
