TALLAHASSEE, FL– Governor Ron DeSantis is set to push forward with the expansion of what many have dubbed as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida schools.
The expansion of the law would ban lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity from grades 4 to 12, unless required by existing state standards or as part of reproductive health instruction which can be opted out of.
Currently, the ban only applies to students in kindergarten through the third grade.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the proposal is “part of a disturbing and dangerous trend that we’re seeing across the nation” of targeting LGBTQ people.
Gov. DeSantis says he believes subjects of sexual orientation and gender identity should be left out of the classroom with their children.
The proposal is scheduled to be presented to the State Board of Education by the state Education Department for a vote next month, both of which have been appointed to their roles by Gov. DeSantis.
The proposal also does not require legislative approval.
Critics report that DeSantis’ actions are not about the children but about pushing the Republican agenda and furthering his career:
“Everything he does is about what can further his own career ambitions,” said Brandon Wolf, press secretary for the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Florida. “And it’s clear he sees the anti-LGBTQ movement as his vehicle to get him where he wants to go.”