A settlement has been reached that effectively repeals parts of Florida's Don't Tell Me law, which critics call a ban on parental rights or instruction on gender identity and sexuality in education.
Equality Florida, along with more than a dozen parents, teachers and students, reached a settlement with the Florida Department of Education and the school district.
The settlement will allow K-12 students to freely talk and write about their sexual orientation and gender identity while attending classes and academically.
It would also reinstate the gay-straight alliance across the state.
The DeSantis administration called the settlement a victory in a press release, saying, “Today's mutually agreed settlement ensures that the law remains in effect, and we expect the lawsuit to be dismissed by the courts soon.” ” he said.
The Parental Rights in Education Act would ban instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida's K-12 schools starting in 2022.
Plaintiffs sued the state a day later, arguing that the law's language is vague and violates their rights to equal protection, due process and free speech.
According to Equality Florida, the settlement will:
- “Free expression has been restored: Students and teachers can now freely talk and write about sexual orientation and gender identity in classroom participation and assignments.
- Strengthening anti-bullying protection: The settlement strengthens protections against bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
- Gay Straight Alliance Protected: The GSA is officially protected and provides important support and advocacy for students.
- Clarified classroom references: The law cannot prohibit references to LGBTQ+ individuals, relationships, families, or topics in the context of education or extracurricular activities.
- Guarantee of non-discrimination: Targeting LGBTQ+ people, couples, families, or issues under the guise of this law is expressly prohibited.
- Protected extracurricular activities: Participation in and support of LGBTQ+ student clubs and cultural presentations will not be affected. ”
