Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration wants to ban discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms, and expand the law called “Don’t Call Gay” as he prepares for the 2024 presidential run.
The proposal, which does not need legislative approval, will be voted on in April by the State Board of Education and submitted by the state Department of Education, both of which are led by officials appointed by the governor.
The rule change prohibits classes on sexual orientation and gender identity in grades four through twelve, unless required by current state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction that students may choose not to take.
The move comes after DeSantis defended a law last year that would ban lessons on gender identity and sexual orientation from kindergarten through third grade.
The law sparked widespread backlash across the country, with critics arguing that it marginalizes the LGBT community, sparking a dispute between the state and Disney, which has publicly opposed the law.
At the governor’s behest, the Republican-dominated legislature voted to dissolve an autonomous district that Walt Disney World controls on its Florida properties, ultimately giving Ron DeSantis control of the board in a move seen as punishment for the company that opposes it. invoice.
The board of directors oversees municipal services at the Disney theme parks and was instrumental in the company’s decision to build near Orlando in the 1960s.
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