What Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Act Actually Says

Debates about state legislation that affect the LGBTQ community rarely leave state capital halls. But the act of Parental Rights in Florida Education – which critics called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill – suddenly led to a national word war.

In the past week, global corporate leaders, the editorial boards of major newspapers and Hollywood actors all considered the proposed legislation, with some calling it “very disturbing” and others “noncontroversial.” Kate McKinnon raised her bill during the latest “Weekend Update” segment on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”. The host of the ABC talk show “The View” mulled over the policy for more than seven minutes on air last month. And Bravo’s Andy Cohen dedicated the closing section of “Watch What Happens Live” last week to slam the measure.

The bill even causes President Joe Biden – who rarely considers new state bills about LGBTQ people – to use the bullying pulpit at the White House to criticize Florida’s size and sponsors. The bill even seems to lead to abuse between Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who stated that he supports the bill but has not yet signed it, and Disney CEO Bob Chapek.

Proponents of HB 1557 stated that it would give parents greater control over their children’s education, resolving “parental authority”. On the contrary, opponents said that it would unfairly target the LGBTQ community – particularly gay and trans students – and “pretend to solve problems that don’t exist”.

To start, criticism that the “Don’t Say Gay” bill doesn’t actually say “gay” anywhere in the text is true. The bill, which passed the Florida Senate last week and the state House of Representatives in February, however, contains the terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity,” twice, respectively.

But lawyers say that whether the bill bans the word “gay” alone is a “nuisance”.

“In the same way that critical race theory is not taught in schools, it doesn’t stop people such as the Florida governor from spreading the term‘ critical race theory ’in an attempt to engage in some political maneuver,” he said. Charlton Copeland, a professor at the University of Miami School of Law who writes about sexual orientation and gender identity. The “Don’t Say Gay” moniker is a moniker about the political framing of this state.

Beyond branding, the core argument about the bill focuses on whether it would ban “instruction” or “discussion” about sexual orientation.

Sponsors of the bill explicitly state that the bill will not prohibit students from telling about LGBTQ families or bar class discussions about LGBTQ history, including incidents such as the 2016 deadly attack at Pulse nightclub, a gay club in Orlando. Instead, they argue that the bill would hinder “instruction” of sexual orientation or gender identity.

In its introduction, the author of the bill writes that its purpose is to prohibit “class discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity.” But later, the bill actually stated that “classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties about sexual orientation or gender identity will not occur.”

“I can see why people are confused by that,” said Clay Calvert, a professor at the University of Florida Levin College of Law who specializes in freedom of speech.

“I have no idea why it’s still left there, but it’s not part of the binding legislation that DeSantis will sign,” Calvert added, referring to the word “discussion” in the preamble of the bill.

“Basically, all the language was just telling us about the bill,” Calvert said, noting that the text in the preamble of the bill has no consequences from real life.

“One of the things that I will say to my students in the fall, when I teach them statutory interpretation, and one of the things that is definitely done by the courts, is to see the preamble to evaluate,‘ Yes, what the scope of the term is. ‘instruction?’ “said Copeland.” And the preamble seems to have a broader conception of what is forbidden when we think of a narrow conception of ‘instruction.’ “

He added, “A good lawyer in the local school district, a good lawyer in the state education department will do that.”

Regardless, it remains unclear what “instruction” sexual orientation or gender identity entails. The definition of the type of lesson was not in the text of the bill.

Without a clearer explanation, Calvert said, “teachers are legitimately afraid of being prosecuted” for a variety of classroom instruction, including lessons about same-sex marriage or the history of the AIDS epidemic.

“If a student asks a question that is not part of a lesson plan or a teacher’s instructional plan, but the question is related to sexual orientation or gender identity, then what will the teacher say at that time?” said Calvert.

Calvert raised the prospect of answering students ’questions about how couples are equally married.

“Do I teach about what the Constitution says in that regard, or do I teach about sexual orientation?” he asked.

Sponsors of the bill did not directly answer repeated questions to give examples of “instruction” on sexual orientation or gender identity during House and Senate debates. When asked by Democratic lawmakers to explain how instructions about sexual orientation or gender identity, Republican Rep. Joe Harding, one of the bill’s sponsors, read the definition of the word “instruction” from what appears to be a dictionary. .

“Vagueness is distributed for a specific purpose. People are not vague just because they are stupid; they are not vague because they read; they are not vague because they are lazy,” said Copeland. “Sometimes they deliberately vague to move sites where political fights will take place.”

Which age group will be applied by the bill also caused intense debate in the last week.

The text stated that the teaching of sexual orientation or gender identity would be prohibited “in kindergarten up to grade 3 or in a manner that does not match the age or development of the student in accordance with state standards.”

Critics say that the language of this state can open districts and educators to lawsuits from parents who believe that conversations about LGBTQ people or issues are inappropriate, regardless of the age of their children.

Lawyers agree, but argue that parental interpretations of what is “age appropriate” or not will hold up in court.

Nevertheless, Calvert said, “it remains to be seen what‘ age appropriate ’or‘ developmentally appropriate ’means,” according to the state.

The clause on the final page of the bill would require the Florida Department of Education to update state standards “in accordance with the requirements of this act” by June 30, 2023.

“The Department of Education has some leeway here to update and review its own standards of what is age appropriate, and then they will influence how this bill is actually implemented,” Calvert said. “In other words, it can be higher than third grade.”

Copeland adds that only the lawsuit will complete the “work” of the bill.

“This ever-present possibility of having to defend themselves, from school districts that need to seize resources, will have an attractive effect,” he said.

If signed by DeSantis, who is widely seen to represent the GOP 2024 presidential candidacy and has shown his support for the measure several times, the law will take effect July 1st.

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Why students should never be forced to repeat a year at school?

Ideally, no. Repeat grade ― also known as & quot; class memory & quot; ―Has not yet been shown to help children learn. Children will not exceed the problem of learning and attention by repeating the class. In fact, repeating classes can contribute to long -term problems with low self -esteem, as well as emotional or social difficulties.

Why should students not be arrested? Students who were detained experienced negative academic, social, and emotional outcomes over time. In general, students who retained better scores on math and English standardized tests during the year they repeated the class and sometimes up to four years later.

Should students never be forced to repeat a year at school?

Unfortunately, forcing children to repeat classes usually causes more problems than is solved. Students who are required to repeat classes are more likely to have confidence problems and advanced social problems. They are far more likely to give up on school or even drop out altogether.

Why students should never be forced to repeat a year at school?

Ideally, no. Repeat gradesâ € • also known as “retention grade” â € • have not been shown to help children learn. Children will not exceed the problem of learning and attention by repeating the class. In fact, repeating classes can contribute to long -term problems with low self -esteem, as well as emotional or social difficulties.

Should students be forced to repeat a grade?

Repeating grades can damage students ’confidence and cause them bullying. Sometimes it can help academically, but the benefits quickly fade. Several studies show that holding elementary students back can work, but only if they get key support, such as tutoring, summer programs, or high -quality teachers.

Should students be held back?

Holding students back can create more problems than solutions. Although research says that student retention is ineffective and may even be harmful, some schools still believe that making children repeat grades is a good idea.

Why kids should never repeat a grade?

Repeating grades can damage students ’confidence and cause them bullying. Sometimes it can help academically, but the benefits quickly fade. Several studies show that holding elementary students back can work, but only if they get key support, such as tutoring, summer programs, or high -quality teachers.

Should you hold your kid back a grade?

Recent researchers suggest that, for the most part, retaining children of other classes is the best practice. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) reports that some children do better in school the first year or two after arrest. But it also says that this effect does not last.

Is it a good idea to repeat a grade?

Ideally, no. Repeat gradesâ € • also known as “retention grade” â € • have not been shown to help children learn. Children will not exceed the problem of learning and attention by repeating the class. In fact, repeating classes can contribute to long -term problems with low self -esteem, as well as emotional or social difficulties.

Is it bad to repeat a grade in high school?

Schools may even like the idea that forcing one student to repeat a class can improve the performance of another. If students see the school willing to issue the ultimate consequences, repeat the class, more students can correct and motivate to obey. In general, repeating classes does not help children.

Why students should be forced to repeat a year at school?

Children who just miss school often have a higher risk of dropping out of school. Repeating the class increases the risk. Children who are younger than their classmates and who have a history of struggling academically can take advantage of repeating classes. They can be better emotionally and age-wise.

Why students should be held back?

Parents of desired students are below expectations for their child’s academic achievement 5. Students who are detained are more likely to face lower incomes when entering the job market after high school, which can have a negative economic impact 6.

What are the benefits of repeating a grade?

Benefits of Repeating Classes

  • It’s time to mature emotionally and grow in confidence.
  • An opportunity to make friends with children of the same level of maturity.
  • Time to work on areas of weakness and further develop areas of strength.
  • Achieve academic readiness for the next class.
  • Positive feelings about coming to school.

How long was Michael Gove education secretary?

On July 15, 2014, Gove’s four years in charge at the Department of Education ended when he was replaced as Secretary of State for Education by former Treasury Minister Nicky Morgan in an extensive cabinet reshuffle.

Where does the Secretary of Education live?

Who is the secretary of education now?

To talk about that, we are now joined by the U.S. secretary of education, Miguel Cardona.

Who is secretary Cardona?

Meriden, Connecticut, USA Miguel Angel Cardona (born July 11, 1975) is an American educator and currently serves as the 12th United States Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate by a 64â vote. € “33 on March 1, 2021.

What did Michael Gove change?

The first moves included reorganizing his office, announcing plans to let schools rated as Outstanding by Ofsted become academies, and cutting the government’s school building program in advance. He opened the National Student Database and introduced phonics checks, reading tests for year 1 students.

What age is Michael Gove?

What did Michael Gove study at Oxford?

He attended Robert Gordon’s Independent College and studied English at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford.

What are parental rights in Florida?

Florida calls custody and visitation rights parental responsibility and time sharing. Parental rights include input-making decisions. Florida law provides several ways for a father to establish paternity of a child born out of wedlock: Marriage of the parents.

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in Florida? Florida Detention Laws For Unmarried Parents All mothers directly receive parental rights to their children at birth. Fathers are given custody and visitation rights depending on DNA paternity tests. Florida custody law for unmarried parents states both parents share the same custody.

What rights do fathers have if on the birth certificate in Florida?

In Florida, the law only automatically recognizes a child’s mother as a legal custodian if the child was born before the parents married. Even if the father’s name is on the child’s birth certificate, he is not automatically awarded the father’s legal rights.

What rights do dads have if on birth certificate?

When his name is on the birth certificate, the father acquires the right to respect the child. This right is known as parental responsibility. If the father’s name is missing from the birth certificate, the father will not automatically acquire parental responsibility.

Can a mother withhold a child from the father in Florida?

Why Can Parents Be Arrested For Detaining Children Who Visit In Florida? True, if an elder accepts his child for a visit (now known as time -sharing time) and refuses to return the child to another parent, he can be arrested.

What rights does a father have to his child in Florida?

Father has multiple custody and visitation rights in the State of Florida. One of the father’s visitation rights in Florida is the right to physical, internet and telephone contact with his child on a regular basis.

Can a father take a child away from the mother in Florida?

If there is no court order that names someone as legal guardian, the biological mother is the only legal guardian of the child. Fathers cannot attempt to take their children without obeying a court order.

Can a father get custody of his child in Florida?

In Florida it is rare for either parent to accept parental responsibility and custody. However, it is not possible. In order for the court to give full custody to either parent, the court must determine that joint parental responsibility would be harmful to the children and not in their best interests.

Can a father keep a child from the mother in Florida?

In Florida, unmarried fathers do not have legal rights to custody or division of time until paternity is established. Until paternity is legally established with the court, the mother has the sole, legal and physical custody of the child or children.

What rights does a father have in Florida?

In Florida, unmarried fathers do not have legal rights to custody or division of time until paternity is established. Until paternity is legally established with the court, the mother has the sole, legal and physical custody of the child or children.

Is a mother allowed to keeping child from father?

The key point. Your spouse cannot legally prevent you from having access to your child unless that continued access would be detrimental to your child’s welfare. Until a court order is set, one parent may try to avoid contact with the other.

What rights does a father have if he is not on the birth certificate in Florida?

Once again, whether the spouse is married and the father’s name is automatically entered into the birth certificate or unmarried, and the father’s name is added to the birth certificate through signing a paternity recognition form, no custodial rights are automatically bestowed on the father.

What are the countries speak French?

French is the official language ** of Belgium, Benin, Burkina, Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Central, Africa, Republic, Chad, Comoros, Coast, d’Ivoire, Democracy, Republic, of, Congo, Djibouti, Equator, Guinea , France, Guinea, Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Republic, of, Congo, …

What 5 countries speak French? Countries where French is the official language:

  • France.
  • Congo (DRC)
  • Canada.
  • Cameroon.
  • Belgium.
  • Ivory Coast.
  • Madagascar.
  • Haiti.

How many countries speak French?

29 countries, in alphabetical order: Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, France, Haiti, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, Monaco, Niger, Rwanda , Senegal, Seychelles, Switzerland, Togo and Vanuatu.

How many countries in the world speaks French?

French is an official language in 29 countries on several continents, most of which are members of the Organization internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a community of 84 countries that share the official use or teaching of French. French is also one of the six official languages ​​spoken at the United Nations.

How many countries have French as an official language 2020?

French is the official language of 29 countries.

Which country use French language?

Who uses the French language?

In France and Corsica about 60 million people use it as a first language, in Canada more than 7.3 million, in Belgium more than 3.9 million, in Switzerland (cantons of Neuchâtel, Vaud, Genève, Valais, Friborg) more than 1.8 million, in Monaco around 80,000, in Italy around 100,000, and in the United States (…

How many countries speak French language?

A: French is the official language in 29 countries and in all French overseas territories and departments. Q: Is there a list of countries that speak English.