“Don't Say Gay" Bill passes Senate
The "Parental Rights in Education Bill," popularly dubbed as the "Don't Say Gay" bill, was passed by the Florida Senate on March 8. It restricts any classroom discussion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in the state's elementary schools. During a Senate floor discussion, the bill's sponsor, Republican Sen. Dennis Baxley, expressed worry that kids are "experimenting" with sexual orientation, which was part of the motivation for introducing this legislation. The bill states that "classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards." Many in the LGBTQ+ community argue that the bill will further stigmatize gay, lesbian, and transgender youth, leading to increased bullying and deaths in an already marginalized population. Advocates further stated that banning discussions of gender and/or sexuality from classrooms implies that students should be ashamed of or deny their gender identity/sexual orientation.
If the bill is ultimately passed, it will go into effect on July 1. Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously voiced his support for the bill, but has not declared explicitly that he will sign it if it reaches his desk.
Students Speak Out
Students from all over Florida expressed their concerns and criticisms of the bill. Many protested against it by planning and participating in large-scale school walkouts. More than 500 students walked out of Winter Park High School in Orange County, Florida on March 7. Will Larkins and Maddi Zornek have been credited as the organizers of the walkout. At 9 a.m., numerous participants left class to protest the bill. During the walkout, students chanted "We say gay!" and held posters reading "Defend trans kids."
Jack Petocz, an openly gay teen who called for statewide protests against the bill last week, was suspended after the Flagler Palm Coast High School principal "voiced his opposition" to the 200-plus pride flags he bought on his own and had taken to school. In response to Petocz's claims, the school clarified that he was not suspended. Instead, he was "administratively excused from campus so that the school administration could conduct their investigation.”
Sources:
Published April 3, 2022
Written by Skye Cabrera ~ Edited by James Yan ~ Graphics created by Vanessa Obra
Comments