Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds on March 10. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images
The administration of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is working to ban the classroom teaching of sexual orientation and gender identity for all grades.
Driving news: The proposal expands on last year’s Parental Education Rights Act — dubbed “Don’t Say Gay” by critics and does not require legislative approval, according to the AP.
Zoom out: The new proposal comes amid a slew of anti-LGBTQ+ bills proposed in the state legislative session so far this year, along with further bans on gender-affirming care and restrictions on those drag show.
The big picture: DeSantis has become a champion for conservative cultural issues, preparing for a potential 2024 presidential run that would pit him against former President Trump.
- The governor emerged victorious in a battle with Disney over the corporation’s criticism of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, and signed a law giving the state control of Disney World’s self-governing district.
Details: The amendment, issued by the state Department of Education, would expand the ban on teaching students’ sexual orientation or gender identity beyond pre-kindergarten through third grade.
- For grades 4-12, such instruction is prohibited unless “required” by state academic standards or as part of a lesson on reproductive health, in which case the student’s parent has the option of opting their child out.
What they said: White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on Tuesday said the proposal was “absolutely, absolutely wrong.”
- He called it “part of a disturbing and dangerous trend we’re seeing across the country in anti-LGBTQI+ legislation…”
- When asked for comment, DeSantis spokesman Bryan Griffin directed Axios to a tweet says, “There is no reason for the teaching of sexual orientation or gender identity to be part of K-12 public education. Full stop.”
- When asked for comment, the Florida Department of Education directed Axios to a tweet through the state education commissioner Senator Manny Diaz, Jr. echoed similar sentiments to Griffin.
What’s next: The proposal is scheduled to be voted on next month before the Florida Board of Education.
Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers are looking at banning the use of preferred pronouns for students and teachers in Florida schools.
Of note: Months after the Parental Rights in Education Act took effect in July, schools began making changes to avoid violating the legislation amid increased scrutiny, Axios’ Selene San Felice reports.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional details throughout.
