Background

The LGBTQIA+ community has been under constant attack for an abhorrent amount of time. Currently, we are seeing a huge, renewed surge of states and school boards targeting LGBTQIA+ inclusive curricular laws. Most states do not have any explicit laws on LGBTQIA+ inclusive curricula and only six states in the entire country have laws that explicitly require LGBTQIA+ inclusion in their curriculum. Some states even have laws that require notifying parents of any LGBTQIA+ related topics and/or lets parents opt their children of these lessons (Movement Advancement Project, 2023). Maryland may soon become one of these states.

Issue

Maryland's Senate Bill 199 aims to create an age appropriate and comprehensive health education. However, it allows parents to opt their children out of lessons on family life, human sexuality, gender identity, and/or sexual orientation. It is important this bill is passed, but there is a part that should be amended -- "opt-out" must be removed.

Studies conducted by GLSEN (2019; 2021) have shown that when LGBTQIA+ students have access to inclusive education, their mental health and overall wellbeing thrive. The studies also found that there is more openness and understanding among peers when they are exposed to inclusive lessons. The entire student body thrives when everyone's identity is reflected in the curriculum.

Call to Action

We are asking for your help to get Maryland Senate Bill 199 amended before it becomes finalized. This is an extremely important education bill that needs to be passed, but it is not adequate as is. "Opt-out" options reinforce the idea that the experiences of those who are not heteronormative are not real or important; they fail to protect and acknowledge LGBTQIA+ life.

By signing this petition, you will join the ever-growing number of people who believe in inclusivity within public school health education. You will be showing LGBTQIA+ youth that they are seen and valued. Together, we can make sure our elected officials recognize LGBTQIA+ inclusive health education is incredibly important to the success of all students and "opt-out" options can cause extreme harm.

If this topic has resonated with you in any way, please sign this petition. It will be sent to your local representative to encourage them to pass Senate Bill 199 with amendments to get rid of "opt-out" during the next legislative session. If you are not a resident of Maryland, your voice is still important. Please feel free to sign the petition in support of those who believe LGBTQIA+ inclusionary curricular laws are crucial to student success.