Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ New Rule Banning Instruction of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in Public Schools Approved by State Board of Education

The Florida Board of Education has approved a new rule banning the instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in all public schools in the state, from kindergarten through grade 12. The rule was requested by Governor Ron DeSantis, who is gearing up for a potential presidential run.

The new rule does not apply to instruction that is expressly required by state academic standards, or to reproductive health courses or health lessons for which a student’s parent has the option to have their student not attend.

The rule is an expansion of the state’s existing “Don’t Say Gay” legislation, which previously only applied to kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. The new rule applies to all grades, and prohibits teachers from discussing gender identity and sexuality in any public school classroom.

The rule has been met with criticism from many who argue that it is an infringement on the rights of LGBTQ+ students, and that it will lead to a lack of education on important topics related to gender identity and sexuality. Supporters of the rule argue that it is necessary to protect the rights of parents to decide what their children are taught in school.

The new rule is set to go into effect immediately, and will apply to all public schools in the state of Florida. It remains to be seen how the rule will be enforced, and what the implications will be for students and teachers in the state.