A settlement over Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law will allow students and teachers to speak about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom if it’s not part of a lesson. Two years after the passage of the extremely vague legislation (championed by failed GOP presidential candidate Gov. Ron DeSantis), the settlement announced today will clarify what is allowed in Florida classrooms. https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP/status/1767307206620303780 As a result of the settlement, instructions will be issued by the Florida Board of Education to all school districts, making clear that the law: • Does not forbid conversations about LGBTQ+ individuals • Does not block the implementation of anti-bullying initiatives based on sexual orientation and gender identity • Does not prohibit the formation of Gay-Straight Alliance groups • Does not extend to library books not used in classroom instruction • Does not apply to books with incidental references to LGBTQ+ characters or same-sex couples Conversations regarding sexual orientation and gender identity are allowed as long as they are not part of instruction. https://twitter.com/WayneBesen/status/1767306949916320167 Since its passage, the Florida measure became a template for similar “Don’t Say Gay” laws in other states including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky and North Carolina. Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith said in a statement:
“We made a promise to LGBTQ+ families, students, and educators across the state to ensure that they received equal dignity under the law, and to protect our schools from a censorship agenda that harms the education system as a whole.
“Florida has already endured nearly two years of book banning, educators leaving the profession, and safe space stickers being ripped off of classroom windows in the wake of this law cynically targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
“This settlement is a giant step toward repairing the immense damage these laws and the dangerous political rhetoric has inflicted on our families, our schools, and our state. The message to school districts, superintendents, and teachers alike is clear: Protect every student and respect every family.”
And from Family Equality President & CEO Jaymes Black:
“Compassion has been restored to the classroom thanks to today’s settlement. This decision blocks prejudice from reaching schools and allows LGBTQ+ students, families, and teachers to bring their whole selves to class each day.
“For students to reach their potential, schools must be places where a child’s life is welcome in discussions and is fully seen. Allowing students to talk about their families and themselves is critical. All families deserve to be respected and celebrated.
“This agreement is not just a triumph for LGBTQ+ families but for all families. It’s a beacon of hope that heralds a future where every student can safely and confidently be themselves, embracing diversity and fostering a sense of belonging for all.”
This is huge news for the hundreds of advocates and allies who have spent years trying to defeat the Don’t Say Gay bill- and for the countless LGBTQ families that call Florida home. @equalityfl pic.twitter.com/Gzbbq0GPhj
— Michael Womack (@MichaelPWomack) March 11, 2024
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