Douglas Anderson’s principal returns to post after being put on temporary leave for diversity training

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — UPDATED STORY 3/29/2021 10:37 a.m.:

Duval County Public School confirmed to Action News Jax that Melanie Hammer has returned to her post as Principal at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts.

ORIGINAL STORY 3/5/2021 6:47 p.m.:

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts released a letter on March 5 detailing how the school’s principal, Melanie Hammer, will be on temporary leave to receive training in working with families of different race and cultural backgrounds.

This decision comes after the school proposed to separate students based on race for cultural discussions.

Hammer will be working with the University of North Florida for Urban Education Policy for about a month.

In the meantime, assistant principal, Jay Franklin, will assume leadership of the school.

The school asks that anyone with feedback or questions regarding the principal’s temporary leave should email schneiders@duvalschools.org.

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