FACT CHECK: FL Education Law Does Not Prohibit the Word ‘Gay,’ Despite Biden Claims

Published Jul. 6, 2022, 11:52 a.m. ET | Updated Jul. 6, 2022

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July 6, 2022 Updated 11:52 A.M. ET

WASHINGTON (FLV) – Democrats, including President Joe Biden, continue to call Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Act the “Don’t Say Gay” law. The president also claimed it targets LGBTQI+ students, teachers, and families.

VERDICT: False. The law does not prohibit teachers or staff from saying the word “gay” in the classrooms. It also does not “target” LGBTQ+ students.

President Joe Biden attacked the Parental Rights in Education law (HB 1557) after it went into effect Friday, July 1.

The Parental Rights in Education Act prohibits lessons teaching K-3 grades about gender identity and sexual orientation.

“Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.”

Parental Rights in Education Act

The law also provides parents with more access to information about their children’s personal education experience, and prevents school districts from withholding certain information that is “critical” to the child’s mental health.

“A school district may not adopt procedures or student support forms that prohibit school district personnel from notifying a parent about his or her student’s mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, or a change in related services or monitoring…

Parental Rights in Education Act

Additionally, the law provides protections for students if there is reason to believe a parent would abuse the child upon learning personal information. 

“This subparagraph does not prohibit a school district from adopting procedures that permit school personnel to withhold such information from a parent if a reasonably prudent person would believe that disclosure would result in abuse, abandonment, or neglect, as those terms are defined in s. 39.01.”

Parental Rights in Education Act

While Democrats call it the “Don’t Say Gay,” Republicans call it the “Anti-Grooming” law.

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