Despite Gov. Scott's denial about it, the reported ban on the term 'climate change' in Florida continues. This time, an employee was not only forced to take time off, but before he could return he was required to go to the doctor for a medical evaluation! That's right, these days if you're an employee of the state of Florida and you say "climate change," then you may just have to see a doctor to make sure you're fit for duty.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) issued a press release with the story of Barton Bibler. He's an employee of Florida's Department of Environmental Protection and has been reprimanded due to his behavior at the Florida Coastal Managers Forum, held on Feb 27th of this year.
What scandalous spectacle did Bibler perpetrate to warrant a letter of reprimand, forced leave and a medical evaluation? He had the gall to discuss climate change—and record notes of said discussion—at a Florida Coastal Managers Forum! So for the heinous crime of talking about the cause of sea level rise at a forum for people who have to deal with sea level rise, he was ordered to get his head checked.
Florida PEER director Jerry Phillips took the words right out of our mouth: “If anyone needs mental health screening it is Governor Rick Scott and other officials telling state workers to pretend that climate change and sea-level rise do not exist.”
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