TALLAHASSEE, FL — (09-08-22) — Right wing extremists strike again as the Miami Dade School Board on Wednesday night rejected a proposal recognizing October as “LGBTQ history month”. The used the excuse that if the proposal were to pass, it would violate the state’s Parental Rights in Education law, known commonly by common sense Americans as the “Don’t Say Gay” Law in Florida.
The ironic thing is that Miami school board members passed a similar resolution acknowledging LGBTQ history month last year by a vote of 7-1, but found themselves in a different situation this fall under the anti-LGBTQ Law signed by Governor Ron Desantis.
The Republican-led Legislature approved the anti-LGBTQ Law back in February and it continues to affect how Florida schools deal with issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Although the board’s own attorney said the recognition was on a solid legal footing, board members voted 1-8 against the idea after dozens of right wing parents and community members raised their opposition at a marathon meeting by shouting and lobbing homophobic slurs.
“I do believe this is in direct violation of our parental rights bill,” said board member Christi Fraga, who voted against recognizing October as LGBTQ History Month. “If not so directly, in spirit, it is. Because this is saying a full endorsement in the entire district of this month — that includes kindergarten through 12th grade.” said Fraga.
Board member Lucia Baez-Geller @luciabaezgeller – Who introduced the proposal recognizing October as LGBTQ history month, said Wednesday that a “symbolic gesture” was hijacked by “ugly falsities” and “just plain disinformation.”
“This item does not indoctrinate students, it does not force an agenda on students,” said Baez-Geller, stirring groans from the audience. “And, as was stated incorrectly, this item does not take away parental choice.” said Geller.
Geller was not alone as many parents in attendance urged the board to pass the designation, contending that it would benefit marginalized LGBTQ students who face a higher risk of depression and suicide. They said that “LGBTQ history is American history” and it would help students be better allies to their peers.
However in the end, the right wing packed school board rejected the proposal.
Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer
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