Florida Extends Law to All Grade Levels
(Miami) Florida on Wednesday extended to all school levels a highly controversial law banning the teaching of subjects related to sexual orientation or gender identity after a request from the state's Republican governor, Ron DeSantis.
The extension of a 2022 law that sparked national controversy and is dubbed "Don't say gay" by critics, has been approved by the state Board of Education and has already been validated by local education authorities.
Strongly criticized by Democrats and LGBT+ rights activists, the text now bans the "intentional" teaching
of these subjects from kindergarten to high school.
The only way to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity in this southeastern US state is if it "is required by the academic standards of the state," which is not the case, or if it is part of a "reproductive health course," from which parents can remove their children.
Professors who contravene these measures could have their right to teach suspended or revoked, according to the new text.
"Shame on the DeSantis government for targeting LGBTQ+ residents of Florida," Equality Florida said on Twitter.
Ron DeSantis, the new strongman of the hard right, is seen as a likely contender for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election, even if he has not yet formalized his candidacy.
The Republican leads a very conservative policy, especially in terms of morals. He pays particular attention to the themes and books studied in schools, which he accuses of indoctrinating students.
Schools, mirrors of a deeply divided America, are the scene of highly political clashes over the teaching of racism, gender issues or sexuality across the country.
This law is also part of a national conservative offensive on LGBT+ issues.
The extension of a 2022 law that sparked national controversy and is dubbed "Don't say gay" by critics, has been approved by the state Board of Education and has already been validated by local education authorities.
Strongly criticized by Democrats and LGBT+ rights activists, the text now bans the "intentional" teaching
of these subjects from kindergarten to high school.
The only way to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity in this southeastern US state is if it "is required by the academic standards of the state," which is not the case, or if it is part of a "reproductive health course," from which parents can remove their children.
Professors who contravene these measures could have their right to teach suspended or revoked, according to the new text.
"Shame on the DeSantis government for targeting LGBTQ+ residents of Florida," Equality Florida said on Twitter.
Ron DeSantis, the new strongman of the hard right, is seen as a likely contender for the Republican nomination for the 2024 presidential election, even if he has not yet formalized his candidacy.
The Republican leads a very conservative policy, especially in terms of morals. He pays particular attention to the themes and books studied in schools, which he accuses of indoctrinating students.
Schools, mirrors of a deeply divided America, are the scene of highly political clashes over the teaching of racism, gender issues or sexuality across the country.
This law is also part of a national conservative offensive on LGBT+ issues.
