DeSantis to tighten ban on classroom instruction of gender identity to all grades

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis‘s administration is proposing to expand restrictions on classroom instruction regarding sexual orientation and gender identity from grades four to 12 by amending the Parental Rights in Education Act. The proposed rule change requires approval by the state Board of Education rather than the legislature, and non-compliant instructors could face suspension or revocation of their certification, among other penalties. Exceptions would exist where such instruction is required by state academic standards or as part of an opt-out reproductive health course.

The original act was panned as “anti-gay,” and critics have argued that the language in the proposed amendment is too broad and subject to interpretation. Last year, the debate over the original act centered on the rights of parents in their children’s classroom education, outlining numerous parental rights that included the right to sue for infractions. DeSantis has, however, positioned himself as a champion of parents’ rights, a move that has helped him secure footing in the Republican Party as a possible 2024 contender.

DeSantis has made headlines for courting the culture wars, a move that has endeared him to the right wing of the Republican Party. He currently ranks second in the polls among potential GOP primary contenders for the 2024 election cycle according to RealClearPolitics.

The state legislature is also considering expanding the restriction of sexual orientation and gender identity instruction up to the eighth grade. A recent Washington Examiner poll found that two-thirds of respondents opposed such instruction in grades kindergarten to third.

DeSantis is rumored to launch his campaign following the end of the Florida legislative session in May, which he has promised to be the “most productive legislative session.”