The recent passage of “Don’t Say Gay” is a setback to decades of progress developing a freer society that is more encompassing and tolerant. Not only is this bill, passed on March 8th in the state of Florida, a setback, it is also an attack on the rights of children to a safe place to grow and develop their identities in what is supposed to be one of the safest environments in their lifetime, the school (Block, 2022; Luterman, 2022).

With an estimated population of 886,000 LGBTQ+ individuals, or 4.6% of Florida’s civilian population of which 24% have children, this bill affects a wide range of people from social workers, to teachers, to mental health workers and all of the children and families these occupations interact with (Movement Advancement Project, 2022).

One of the pertinent concerns of teachers in this affected community is that from kindergarten to third grade education regarding sexual orientation and gender identity is outlawed which, although is not a direct part of curriculum, does raise questions on whether teachers may be violating this law if they facilitate conversations about their classrooms families of whom may be members of the LGBTQ+ community (Block, 2022; Luterman, 2022). Considering that at this age children’s education is largely focused on family, these fears from teachers are buttressed by the new reality that parents are able to sue school districts if they believe that a school is violating the “Don’t Say Gay” bill (Block, 2022; Luterman, 2022). How can teachers and students feel safe knowing that their identity, or their friends' identities, or their families’, is illegal to talk about?

We can show support for all communities affected by this vague and harmful legislation through your signature. Let us show Governor Ron DeSantis how our nation regards this legislation while also coalescing our support for the LGTQ+ community, culturally appropriate

education, and a freer, more encompassing and tolerant society. Let us demand a repeal of “Don’t Say Gay”!