TALLAHASSEE – The Biden administration stated Friday it can monitor a brand new Florida law that restricts instruction on sexual orientation and gender identification in public colleges.
In a press release, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre inspired college students and oldsters to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights in the event that they assume they face discrimination.
The law (HB 1557), which has drawn nationwide consideration, prevents instruction on gender identification and sexual orientation in kindergarten by way of third grade and requires that such instruction be “age-appropriate, in accordance with state academic standards” in older grades.
Republican lawmakers titled the measure the “Parental Rights in Education” invoice.
Opponents labeled it the “Don’t Say Gay” invoice.
The law took impact Friday.
“This is not an issue of ‘parents’ rights,'” Jean-Pierre stated within the assertion.
“This is discrimination, plain and simple. It’s part of a disturbing and dangerous nationwide trend of right-wing politicians cynically targeting LGBTQI+ students, educators, and individuals to score political points. It encourages bullying and threatens students’ mental health, physical safety, and well-being. It censors dedicated teachers and educators who want to do the right thing and support their students.” Gov. Ron DeSantis and different Republican supporters of the invoice have disputed the “Don’t Say Gay” moniker and allegations that it’s discriminatory.
“Far from banning discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, the legislation expressly allows age – and developmentally appropriate education on those subjects,” attorneys for the state wrote in a court docket submitting this week in a case difficult the law.
“Consistent with that modest limitation, the law prohibits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity for the youngest children, neutrally allowing all parents, no matter their views, to introduce those sensitive topics to their children as they see fit.”
