Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law, also known as the “don’t say gay bill,” goes into effect today. Meaning that public school districts in Florida now have begun rolling out policies that limit educators’ ability to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and identities in the classroom.
School officials in Florida have already been accused of verbally warning teachers to remove photos of same-sex partners, rainbow articles of clothing and any pride or allyship related stickers from schools. The School District of Palm Beach have sent teachers questionnaires asking them to review materials for content that references sexual orientation, gender identity or race.
The bill bans “instruction” about gender identity or sexual orientation for students in kindergarden through the third grade “or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” The law also requires educators to alert parents about “critical decisions affecting a student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being,” which many fear will result in teachers feeling forced to out LGBTQ+ students. Educators are only exempt from having to alert parents if they believe it will result in the abuse, neglect or mistreatment of the child.
While those who support the bill argue that it will only apply to children from kindergarten through the third grade. Legal experts believe that the vague language of the bill will allow parents of children of all ages to sue schools if they don’t consider LGBTQ+ related conversations to be age appropriate. Florida’s “don’t say gay bill” was sponsored by the state’s senator Ron De Santis.