Introduction
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has just proposed a change in what students can and can’t be taught about in high school. I’ll tell you why it’s got Democrats upset. Plus – Greg is here with the weekly Notice News quiz.
All that and more today on… Notice News Daily.
Florida Governor DeSantis Moves to Expand Controversial Law
Hey guys and happy Friday, I’m Jonathan here at Notice H-Q in Brooklyn. One year ago, a controversial law in Florida gained national attention.
The law, officially titled the Parental Rights in Education Act, is commonly referred to by critics as the quote “Don’t Say Gay” law.
It prohibits classroom discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida public schools for students from kindergarten to third grade.
But, just this week the state’s education department has proposed a rule change which will extend that prohibition from third grade to twelfth, meaning those discussions will be banned for public school students of all ages.
NBC News says this proposal only has to be approved by the state board of education in order to become law.
Teachers who violate the rule could face suspension or losing their teaching license.
It’s the latest move by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to limit classroom instruction on topics conservatives deem inappropriate for students.
Though he hasn’t officially announced it, Ron DeSantis is widely expected to run for president in 2024.
Experts say DeSantis is focused on social policy like this in his state because it draws national attention, which is good for a presidential run.
SOT: “So in Florida we say very clearly we will never, ever surrender to the woke mob. Our state is where woke goes to die.”
DeSantis argues children should not be exposed to issues of sexual orientation or gender identity in schools and parents should be responsible for those discussions.
Yesterday, the White House press secretary called the bill ‘wrong’.
SOT: “Make no mistake, this is part of a disturbing and dangerous trend that we’re seeing across the country of legislations that are anti-LGBTQI+, anti-trans, anti the community in a way that we have not seen in some time.”
The new proposal to expand the law through twelfth grade will be voted on by the Florida Board of Education in April.
Headlines
TikTok’s CEO was grilled by Congress at a congressional hearing yesterday. His testimony comes as the company faces a complete ban in the United States threatened by President Biden.
A grand jury investigating former President Donald Trump has yet to announce a decision about whether or not to charge him with a crime in a hush-money payment scandal.
And… Climate change, the war in Ukraine, voting rights, human rights, equality… What’s the most important domestic or global issue facing Americans today?
Submit your answer on TikTok with the hashtag #WeThePeopleChallenge and you could win an Amazon gift card for you or your class. Find out more at NoticeNews.com.
The NOTICE News Quiz
And now, live on tape from Brooklyn, it’s the Notice News Quiz.
I’m your host Greg and this is the game where we want to know: have you been paying attention this week? Time to find out. Question One:
A newly released United Nations report warned that the last chance is rapidly approaching to stave off what major potential catastrophe?
A) The Russia-Ukraine War
B) Climate Change
C) Artificial Intelligence
D) COVID-19
The answer is B. Scientists believe if carbon emissions aren’t cut in half by the mid 2030s, the world may hit a 2 degree rise in global temperatures, causing more extreme weather and political conflict.
Question Two:
Wednesday marked the kickoff of what major holiday, observed by billions across the world?
A) Lent
B) Ramadan
C) Yom Kippur
D) Mardi Gras
The answer is B. Ramadan, which commemorates God giving Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an, to the Prophet Muhammad.
And finally, on Tuesday, someone at a demonstration in California said this:
SOT: “They can’t get off their butts and negotiate and get this done.”
Which group of workers went on strike this week, giving students three days off?
A) Teachers
B) Principals
C) School Support Staff
D) Screenwriters
The answer is C. Tens of thousands of unionized bus drivers, cafeteria workers, and other school employees went on a three-day strike seeking better pay for burnout-prone work.
That’s it for this week. See you next Friday with another all new Notice News Quiz.
Conclusion
That’s it for today but Angie will be back Monday with more from us, Notice News. Have a great weekend everybody.