To enshrine the prohibitions on LGBTQ content into law - and making it harder to repeal, even under future gubernatorial administrations - Republicans had to pass it through the legislative process.

are gubernatorial appointees, meaning that a future administration could reverse course and repeal the rule without having to go through the legislature. Teachers found in violation of the rule can face suspension or have their teaching licenses revoked.īut the Florida Board of Education’s rule is considered an executive action, as all seven members - including Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. Ron DeSantis for his signature into law.Īt DeSantis’s urging, the Florida Board of Education previously expanded the law by passing a new rule governing “professional conduct” by teachers that prohibits instructors in grades K-12 from “intentionally provid classroom instruction” on sexual orientation or gender identity.

The expanded law passed on a party-line vote in both chambers, which are controlled by Republicans, and now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. The new law also contains what opponents call a “book ban” provision, which permits any county resident - regardless of whether they have children enrolled in school - to demand the removal of books they deem objectionable from school library shelves. Original image – DonkeyHotey, via Flickr.įlorida lawmakers have approved a bill expanding prohibitions on LGBTQ content in the state’s existing “Parental Rights in Education” law - dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law by opponents - through high school. Welcome to Florida sign – Image by Todd Franson.

Fables - Book One by Bill Willingham