DeSantis expands ‘don’t say gay’ law to all grades

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Tallahassee, Florida (AP) — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis The administration is moving to ban classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity at all grades, expanding calls from controversial legal pundits. “Don’t call me gay” Republican governor continues to focus on cultural issues ahead of him anticipated presidential election.

of suggestionThe bill, which does not require congressional approval, is scheduled for a vote next month before the state board of education and is being introduced by the state education department. Both are led by governor’s appointees.

With this rule change, sexually explicit students in grades 4-12, except as required by existing state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction in which students may choose not to attend Classes on orientation and gender identity are prohibited.of initial law What DeSantis defended last spring bans those lessons in kindergarten through third grade. This change was first reported by Orlando Sentinel.

DeSantis has relied heavily on cultural divides in his path to an anticipated White House bid, with Republicans pushing a conservative agenda aimed at what he calls the insertion of inappropriate subjects in schools. is actively pursued.

A spokesperson for the governor’s office and the Department of Education did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment.

Last year’s parental rights in education law sparked widespread backlash nationwide after it was criticized for underrepresenting LGBTQ people and their presence in society.

DeSantis and other Republicans have repeatedly said the measure is reasonable and that parents, not teachers, should confide in their children about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Critics of the law say the terms “classroom instruction,” “age-appropriate,” and “developmentally appropriate” are overly broad and subject to interpretation. As a result, teachers may try to avoid the subject altogether for fear of being sued, they say.

The law also sparked a feud with Disney, one of the state’s largest employers and political donors. Disney publicly opposed the law, saying he was suspending political contributions in the state.

At the governor’s request, the Republican-dominated Congress voted to dissolve the boroughs over Walt Disney World-controlled Florida properties, ultimately desantis. board controlThe move was widely seen as punishment for companies that opposed the law. contributed to the decision.

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