The Parental Rights in Education Act, which forbids some courses on gender identity and sexual orientation, was reportedly extended to encompass grades 4 through 12 by the Florida Department of Education (DOE) at the behest of Governor Ron DeSantis on Wednesday.
The Florida DOE put out a proposal in March that would expand the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” policy of the state’s Parental Rights in Education statute, which forbade teaching about gender identity and sexual orientation through the third grade.
The adopted regulation takes effect in 34 days and does not require approval from the legislature.
Teachers may have their certification suspended or revoked if they are found to have broken the regulation.
Moreover, two measures that would extend the Parental Rights in Education Act until the eighth grade are being considered by the state legislature.
WATCH: "Queer" man at Board of Education meeting denounces proposed rule expanding restrictions on gender identity/sexual orientation teachings in grades K-12
"This is who I am, and I should never have to fear being fired for being myself. I am here, I am queer…" pic.twitter.com/Zzc1srZGGM
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) April 19, 2023
The White House criticized the regulation after the Florida DOE proposed it in March, claiming that it harms all students and educators in addition to the LGBTQ population.
Following Florida’s example, several states are attempting to enact legislation that would forbid age-inappropriate courses on gender identity and sexual orientation from being taught in schools.
[READ MORE: DeSantis Releases Hilarious Bud Light Parody Highlighting ‘Real Men’ of Women’s Sports]
