Dear Friends,
This column will be the second in a series that we plan to write, providing an overview of the 2022 Legislative Session. Last month, we brought some information to you regarding Florida’s budget and what the Legislature did with your money. This month, we will highlight two education policy bills that we passed this year
HB 1557, Parental Rights in Education by Senator Baxley and Representative Harding. By now, many of you are familiar with this bill as it received national attention and is part of broader conversation regarding parental rights going all the way back to last year. Given the slanderous moniker “Don’t Say Gay Bill” by left wing media outlets, this bill expands on the Parental Rights bill passed in 2021. Let us be clear, this bill says nothing about not being able to say “gay” in schools. We are not prohibiting casual conversations. What we are saying is that children in K-3 schools do not need to be indoctrinated with gender theory instructional material and their parents left in the dark about it. HB 1557 will empower parents and families by prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require employees to withhold information from a parent regarding their child, unless necessary to protect the child when the school suspects abuse or neglect.
Additionally, this bill ensures age-appropriate curriculum by prohibiting teacher-led classroom instruction on gender identity or sexual orientation in the primary grade levels (K-3) and Improves transparency between schools and parents by requiring school boards to notify parents if there is a change in their child’s services related to mental, emotional, or physical health and wellbeing. The enforcement arm of this bill authorizes a parent to request the Commissioner of Education to appoint a special magistrate to investigate unresolved parental complaints and recommend resolutions to the State Board of Education within 30 days. Further, it establishes a process whereby parents can bring action against a school district that violates the provisions of the bill that seek resolutions for unresolved concerns.
HB 7, Individual Freedoms by Senator Diaz and Representative Avila. This bill protects individual freedoms and prevents discrimination in public schools and the workplace while supporting factual, educational discussions and materials for our students. The bill identifies several principles of individual freedom to guide instruction and curriculum, such as: No individual is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex. No race is inherently superior to another race. No individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability or sex. Accordingly, the bill requires that instruction, instructional materials, and professional development in public schools be consistent with principles of individual freedom.
Thank you for the honor of letting me serve you in the Florida Senate. There is no higher calling than serving others.
Onward & Upward
Senator Dennis Baxley
