“Making children and teachers feel ashamed for supporting love is downright hateful.”

   In January of 2022, the state of Florida introduced a new bill, “Parental Rights in Education.” Better known as “Don’t Say Gay,” this bill would ban the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in classrooms.

   “A school district may not encourage classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students,” the bill states.

   The Florida Senate committee passed the bill on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. The Florida House passed the bill on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022.

   President Joe Biden condemned the bill and released a statement for the LGBTQ+ youth in Florida, slamming it as “hateful.”

   “You are loved and accepted just as you are,” Biden wrote on Twitter. “My Administration will continue to fight for the protections and safety you deserve.”

   While this bill aims to prevent exposure of LGBTQ+ issues to elementary school students, the phrase “not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate” is vaguely worded and undefined, leaving the potential for the bill to be applied to middle and high school students as well.

   Schools are meant to be secure and safe places for students to develop. Some students who identify as LGBTQ+ may come from unaccepting homes and might not have a parent or sibling who they feel they can discuss their concerns with. Teachers and guidance counselors can provide a vital and confidential environment for these kids to discuss their concerns, whether it be in private or among the whole class.

   On top of this, educators would have to tell parents everything that a student shares with them privately if “Don’t Say Gay” is made a law. This poses a higher risk of students being outed to their parents before they’re ready to do so. This very personal news should only be shared once the student is comfortable, not by obligation. Forcing LGBTQ+ people to come out is never okay, it’s even worse for someone else to do it for them.

   Another strong, yet concerning, argument is that LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to attempt suicide. By passing “Don’t Say Gay,” these kids would essentially be forced back into the closet out of fear and their mental health would likely decline.

   Fabiola Santiago of the Miami Herald expressed that the bill would cause LGBTQ+ kids to “endure guilt, shame and bullying just to please a so-called ‘pro-life’ sector of the population.”

   LGBTQ+ students in schools may already feel marginalized enough. In the state of Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis supported the bill by calling the discussion of LGBTQ+ issues “entirely inappropriate.” DeSantis claims that teachers are telling children things such as, “Don’t worry, don’t pick your gender yet.”

   DeSantis’ portrayal of teachers is simply untrue. Teachers aren’t telling kids that they shouldn’t decide who they are. They are showing them that they will be accepted in the classroom and shouldn’t feel ashamed for it.

   It is a shame that politicians are targeting and using children for their political gain. Shaming children who defy societal norms for a cheap vote and punishing educators who promise their students that they are loved, no matter who they are is unacceptable.

   While I, personally, do not identify as LGBTQ+, I have many friends and classmates who would face the hatred of “Don’t Say Gay” firsthand. I will always be an ally for those whose voices aren’t heard.

   Regardless of whether people like it or not, times are progressing and younger people will be exposed to LGBTQ+ issues, or even the existence of people who identify as LGBTQ+. If parents aren’t explaining things to their children at home and are sheltering them from our imperfect world, another trusted adult should take that responsibility to explain what it means to be gay or transgender, the same as we’re taught why people are different races.

   The “Don’t Say Gay” bill is just another prime example of lawmakers providing solutions to problems that are non-existent. Education systems are being degraded and run down by legislators who only want to win a seat in office.

   If this bill makes it through legislation and is signed off by DeSantis, I will be ashamed of my state. Making children and teachers feel ashamed for supporting love is downright hateful.