Sarasota Republicans demand Tom Edwards resign, but he dismisses it as a diversion.

Key Information

• Tom Edwards is a Sarasota County School Board member and recently became Executive Director of Project Pride SRQ.
• Local Republicans, notably the Republican Party of Sarasota (RPOS), are calling for Edwards’ resignation, citing conflicts of interest.
• Edwards argues that he will continue to prioritize the well-being of all students and serve the interests of the community.
• Project Pride SRQ focuses on inclusivity, community support, and anti-bullying initiatives.

Sarasota County School Board member Tom Edwards has stepped into the role of Executive Director at Project Pride SRQ, a nonprofit aimed at promoting diversity programs. His new position has sparked controversy, with local Republicans asserting that he should resign from his public office, a claim Edwards dismisses as a diversion from the GOP’s own issues.

Last week, Project Pride SRQ announced Edwards’ appointment, emphasizing a vision for a united community free from divisive policies. “Project Pride envisions a silo-free community that is proud, resilient, and unified by shared values,” Edwards stated, expressing enthusiasm for the platform to further this important work.

Responses from the Republican Party of Sarasota were swift, branding Edwards’ new role as a significant conflict of interest. “In his new role, Tom Edwards will have overt conflicts of interest,” the party claimed in a statement, critiquing his plans to promote initiatives in public schools. They expressed concerns that such objectives are opposed by a majority of the American public.

The RPOS further accused Edwards of using his School Board influence to advocate for programs that focus on a small minority, undermining the needs of all students. Edwards, however, confirmed his resolve to retain both positions. He questioned the motivations behind the Republican calls for his resignation, suggesting that it was merely a political tactic to divert attention from other pressing matters within the party, including scandals involving party members.

“I will continue to do the good School Board work that the community overwhelmingly reelected me to do. Additionally, I will use my new position at Project Pride SRQ to build a stronger, kinder, more resilient community,” Edwards asserted. He reiterated his commitment to inclusivity and human rights for all, particularly addressing concerns for the LGBTQ+ community.

Since his election in 2020, when he defeatedGov. Ron DeSantis as a target in the last election cycle but successfully secured re-election.

Edwards has been vocal about the challenges he faces; he notably walked out of a School Board meeting amid homophobic slurs aimed at him. Later, he criticized fellow Board member Bridget Ziegler during her own controversies while calling for accountability.

In response to the GOP’s condemnation, RPOS Chair Jack Brill publicly labeled Edwards’ beliefs as extreme, claiming they don’t align with Sarasota County parents’ views. Despite this, leaders from Project Pride SRQ expressed their support, stressing the invaluable experience Edwards brings to the organization. They cited his passion for advancing equity, justice, and inclusion as essential to addressing barriers faced by marginalized communities.

As Edwards embarks on this new chapter with Project Pride SRQ, his focus on initiatives like a peer-to-peer Support Squad for students has raised further concerns among GOP leaders. RPOS insists that holding both positions is contrary to ethical standards and detrimental to public school students. “We call on Tom Edwards to resign his School Board seat if he wants to be Executive Director of this organization,” the party reiterated.