The “Parental Rights In Education” bill, or more specifically, the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” ( a sub-category of the “Parental Rights In Education”bill) restricts what teachers and administrators can say and discuss in schools in regards to students’ sexual orientation and gender identity. As someone who attends an Arts school with many students that are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, this bill would directly affect my life. All of the children and students that identify as a part of this community or as a different gender than what they were given at birth would be silenced. Although I can understand a parent’s desire to limit what their child is exposed to, I believe that this desire should not be to the detriment of other students. This bill represses students’ freedom and ability to express themselves to teachers. Many students find safety in expression at school and implementing this bill would nearly eliminate that. Students would no longer be able to address preferred pronouns and/or names with teachers. School should be a safe space for all students, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Passing this bill would limit   acceptance for students who are not accepted at home. As a country, we are progressing so much in regards to civil rights. We shouldn’t take a step backward and suppress Florida’s youth when we’ve come this far. Sign this petition to support the voice  and rights of students across Florida.