As the audience at the meeting groaned, she explained, “This item does not indoctrinate students; it does not force an agenda on students. And, as was stated incorrectly, this item does not take away parental choice.”
The debate was tense, and security intervened once when the crowd grew rowdy, according to WPLG. The school board voted 8-1 against the action, saying it might conflict with Florida’s Parental Rights in Education law.
The law, signed by Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in March and dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by liberals, prohibits teachers from leading discussions in kindergarten through third grade on gender identity or sexual orientation.
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Fox News reported school board member Christi Fraga agreed with the board’s decision. “I do believe this is in direct violation of our parental rights bill,” she said, “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.”
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Another member, Luisa Santos, said she disagreed with how other adults treated the 17-year-old, the board’s student advisor, but did not elaborate. After conferring with her peers, Andrea S. Pita Mendez voiced support for making October LGBTQ History Month. Student advisors are not allowed a vote on the board.
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If it had passed, the proposal would have provided resources to teachers to explore “important landmark civil rights” Supreme Court cases that may have included gay marriage rulings.
Newsmax reported the school board meeting lasted over three hours, with groups of parents, teachers, and students debating over opposing views. Some cited it went against their religious beliefs, while others said it proliferated indoctrination and sexual abuse of children.
Christi Fraga, a school board member, said she thinks “endorsing and putting it out as something that everyone has to participate in does start to cross a line of imposition onto family values.”
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