25.03 / 17:47
Commentary
education
Youth
A Gay Florida Educator on the Terror of What's to Come
Florida is on the verge of passing legislation called Parental Rights in Education — more commonly known as the “don’t say gay” bill. Introduced by Republicans, House Bill 1557 “prohibits classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in certain grade levels; requires school districts to notify parents of health care services; authorizes parents to bring action against school district to obtain declaratory judgment; provides for additional award of injunctive relief, damages, & reasonable attorney fees & court costs to certain parents,” as stated in the Florida legislature’s summary.Longtime educator — and new Floridian — David Thomas describes just how insidious and cruel “don’t say gay” is:I’ve been in education for over 21 years. I started out as a teacher, taught PE and health, coached basketball, and then I moved up and became athletic director, dean of students, counselor.