DeSantis plans to ban lessons on sexual orientation, gender identity in Florida

92
2
DeSantis plans to ban lessons on sexual orientation, gender identity in Florida

Florida Gov. In addition to the controversial law critics call Don t Say Gay, the Republican governor continues to focus on cultural issues ahead of his anticipated presidential run, as the administration moves to forbid classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades.

The proposal, which would not require legislative approval, is scheduled to be put before the state Board of Education next month and is headed by the state Education Department, both of which are led by appointees of the governor.

The rule change would ban lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity from grades 4 to 12, unless required by existing state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction that students can choose not to take. The first law that DeSantis championed last spring bans those lessons in kindergarten through the third grade. DeSantis has leaned heavily into cultural divides on his path to an anticipated White House bid, with the Republican aggressively pursuing a conservative agenda that targets what he calls the insertion of inappropriate subjects in schools.

The Parental Rights in Education Act of last year drew widespread backlash nationally, with critics saying it marginalizes LGBTQ people and their presence in society.

DeSantis and other Republicans have repeatedly stated that the measure is reasonable and that parents, not teachers, should be broaching subjects of sexual orientation and gender identity with their children.

Critics of the law say its language — classroom instruction, age appropriate and developmentally appropriate — is too broad and subject to interpretation. They say that teachers may choose to avoid subjects entirely for fear of being sued.

The law also caused a feud between the state and Disney, one of the state's largest employers and political donors, after the entertainment giant publicly opposed the law and said it was pausing political donations in the state.

At the request of the governor, the Republican-dominated Legislature voted to dissolve a self-governing district controlled by Walt Disney WorldDisney World over its properties in Florida, and eventually gave DeSantis control of the board. The move was widely seen as a punishment for the company opposing the law. The board oversees the city services in Disney's theme park properties and was instrumental in the company's decision to build near Orlando in the 1960 s.