March 29, 2023
Your Action is Needed Now: Help stop harmful education-related bills!
The Florida House of Representatives will hear House Bill 1069 and House Joint Resolution 31 TOMORROW (March 30) which both will cause detrimental harm to Florida's education system and students.
House Bill 1069: EXPANDED BOOK BANNING & GOVERNMENT CONTROL OVER WHAT IS TAUGHT IN SEX ED
HB 1069 extends through grade 8 the prohibitions from the 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law that were through grade 3. Additionally, in grades 9-12, instruction “must be age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” It defines the term “sex” as an immutable biological trait; prohibits public schools from referring to a person using personal titles or pronouns that do not correspond with that person’s sex; prohibits classroom instruction by school personnel on sexual orientation or gender identity until grade 9; requires district school boards to adopt and publish a specified process relating to student access to certain materials, requiring that certain materials be unavailable to students until the resolution of any objection, etc.
The League believes this legislation equates to school districts being forced to abandon their own students. By imposing severe restrictions on the kinds of discussions teachers may have with students in all grades, the bill prevents children from seeking assistance with issues that cause them distress. In America we celebrate free speech, independent thinking, and equality – these are the ideals of our nation. Trying to limit or remove those freedoms is not patriotic. It’s censorship.
By taking away these opportunities, policymakers are ensuring there will be increased bullying, disrespect, and violence in public schools. Books that tell stories about LBGTQ individuals help save lives. Legislation similar that bans them threatens lives.
This and other previously enacted legislation prohibits teachers from learning more about their students. With these restrictions in place, it will be difficulty for teachers to know what is age or developmentally appropriate for any one child. Teachers are already self-censoring and HB 1069 exacerbates this; it is the child who loses out.
House Joint Resolution 31: PARTISAN ELECTIONS OF DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARDS
This join resolution proposes amendments to State Constitution to require members of district school boards to be elected in partisan elections. Voters would have to approve this amendment in 2024.
The League believes politics doesn't belong in our public schools and making school board races partisan will only increase the level of politicization. Polling shows that 89% percent of voters are concerned about the politicization of our schools.
Public schools are an integral part of their communities and are most effectively governed by locally elected school board members who are responsive and answerable to their communities rather than to political party leaders.
As written, the bill would have school board elections run like all other partisan contests, meaning nominees would be decided in primaries. Highly qualified individuals without ties to a political party would be discouraged from running, thus limiting the pool of candidates, and elevating the role of fundraising and money in school board elections.
We're urging Florida League members to contact their Representative and encourage them to vote NO on HB 1069 & HJR 31.
Email or call your state Representative and ask they vote NO on House Bill 1069 & House Joint Resolution 31.
Consider contacting all of Florida's state representatives about your opposition to these pieces of legislation. Click here for a list of all House members contact information.
