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Dozier School Apology Bill Heads To Florida Senate Floor

MGN Online

A bill formally apologizing to the victims of the now-closed Dozier School for Boys is now heading to the Senate floor, after passing its last committee Tuesday.

Sen. Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg) is carrying the Senate resolution, saying sorry to those who say they endured sexual, physical, and emotional abuse at two reform schools.

“Senate Resolution 1440 recognizes the widespread and considerable abuse that took place at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Okeechobee and Marianna,” he said. “It expresses regrets for this shameful part of our history, sincerely apologizes on behalf of the legislature, and declares a commitment to make sure that these atrocities and tragedies never occur again.”

The Florida House already passed a similar resolution last week. They also passed a bill allowing for two Dozier memorials in Marianna and Tallahassee for the unclaimed remains of victims believed to have died from the abuse and were buried on the grounds in unmarked graves.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.