Broward County, Florida – South Florida education officials reacted Tuesday to a settlement in a lawsuit over Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law that allows students and teachers to freely talk about sexual orientation and gender identity in the classroom. are doing.
“Why did this happen? Why did such a false narrative start?” asked Anna Fusco, president of the Broward Teachers Union.
Nearly two years ago, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the controversial Parental Rights and Education Act into law, but the law's critics feared most that its vague language would affect teachers. , because they believe it is at the expense of LGBTQ+ students.
As a result, civil rights groups filed a lawsuit shortly after the bill took effect.
“No teacher has ever or will ever go into a school setting, into a classroom setting, and say, 'Please tell me how to be gay,'” Fusco said.
Broward County school leaders called the settlement a victory.
“To develop our teachers professionally, to provide the right curriculum, to ensure we are compliant with legislation, and to ensure parents understand they have the option to opt out if they are uncomfortable.” Superintendent Peter Licata said.
As part of the settlement, the state clarified language in the law to ban classroom curriculum on sexual orientation and gender identity for younger students and determine age appropriateness for older students.
This language makes clear that the law does not prohibit discussion, conversation, mentioning, counseling, or even mentioning gay students in literature or school projects.
“I think if the teachers feel safe, everything will go pretty smoothly,” one Broward student told Local 10 News.
DeSantis called the settlement a major victory in a statement, adding: “We won. Florida's classrooms will continue to be safe spaces under the Parental Rights Education Act.”
Democratic state Sen. Shevrin Jones called the settlement a landmark moment, saying, “Classrooms and schools should be safe spaces that promote empathy, compassion, and belonging, not fear and anxiety.” Partially stated.
“Freedom of speech, you should be able to say whatever you want, so I think that's a good thing,” one student said.
Please read the settlement below.
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