From NOTICE News Daily for March 24, 2023
Florida is looking to expand its controversial so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law to include all students in public schools through 12th grade. We break it down.
MORE INFO:
Last year, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a Republican-backed measure that banned classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for students in kindergarten through third grade. Critics denounced what they dubbed the “don’t say gay” bill. Now, the state might expand that through 12th grade. >> Full story
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TRANSCRIPT
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.
