The Florida Board of Education has passed a bill to prohibit the teaching of sexuality and gender identity in all K-12 public schools, which cover kindergarten through twelfth grade (ages four through sixteen). The only exception granted is when these classes are "part of a reproductive health course," in which case parents can decide whether or not their children attend.
Previously, only K-3 (kindergarten through third grade) public schools were subject to this restriction, which was established in the Parental Rights in Education Act enacted in early 2022. Now, the prohibition on teaching lessons on sexuality or gender identity to older students has been extended.
As reported by The Washington Post, Paul Burns, Florida's chancellor for K-12 public schools, said after the vote, that under the new measures, teachers "must refrain" from mentioning people's sexual orientation or gender identity in classes on reproductive health. In the event that any professional violates this rule, his or her teaching license will be suspended or revoked.
"This is part of the Governor's assault on freedom"
Some organizations have already opposed this rule. Joe Saunders, director of the LGBT advocacy group Equality Florida, noted:
Under the vague new rules, a teacher who taught this would be fired and their career would end. This rule is by design a tool for curating fear, anxiety and the erasure of our LGBT community.
In addition, the organization attacked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for an "assault on freedom."
Let’s put it plainly: this is part of the Governor’s assault on freedom. Free states do not ban books. Free states do not censor entire communities out of the classroom. Free states do not wage war on LGBTQ people to score cheap political points for a man desperate to be POTUS.
— Equality Florida (@equalityfl) April 19, 2023
