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Florida Education Association lawsuit to halt school reopening slowed by venue change

'Every chance to slow this down they have taken'
Florida lawsuit to halt school reopening slowed by venue change
Posted at 8:40 AM, Aug 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-07 08:41:56-04

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Miami-Dade judge has dealt a blow to teachers fighting the Florida Department of Education’s order requiring public schools to offer in-person lessons this month.

During a hearing Thursday morning, Judge Spencer Eig ruled the case needed to be moved to Leon County to comply with Florida’s home venue privilege. The provision entitles state agencies to be sued in the county they’re headquartered to save time and tax dollars.

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"This court, having heard from all parties, finds that the law of home venue privilege does apply to this case," Eig said. "It is an issue of statewide importance-- crucial statewide importance."

The Florida Education Association had filed the suit in Miami-Dade, saying its case was strongest in the COVID hotspot. The move to Leon will now likely delay the union’s effort to void the order, which it claims is unsafe and therefore violates the state constitution.

RELATED: Fla. education commissioner requires all Florida school districts to reopen campuses in August

FEA attorney Mark Richard called the venue change a delay tactic by the governor's legal team.

“Every chance to slow this down they have taken," said Richard. "Every chance to rush schools to be open — without looking at the science— they have rushed that way as well.”

RELATED: Florida Education Association files lawsuit against state to stop reopening of in-person classes

While the transfer will be expedited, court officials have yet to set dates for the continuation of the suit in Leon County. Meanwhile, at least four Florida school districts will begin class on Monday.

The governor and ed commissioner, both defendants in the case, have dismissed the lawsuit as “frivolous.” The state leaders believe in-person lessons are needed as an option for children who struggle with virtual learning.

RELATED: Florida education commissioner calls school reopen lawsuit 'frivolous'

Districts risk losing funding if they fail to comply.