After fleeing Florida following the passage of the Parental Rights in Education Act, a transgender teacher from Palm Beach County is now teaching in New Jersey.
A settlement issued on Monday clarifies that discussions of LGBTQ+ issues can continue as long as they aren’t being taught. The law also affects the library’s books.
Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida signed the “Parental Rights In Education” bill into law in Pasco County on March 28, 2022.
“The main reason is that I didn’t feel safe there as an openly queer person,” Micah Desiante said. “Confusion was the biggest concern. There was more room for ambiguity and wiggle room in the laws to be what they wanted it to be rather than what the legislation was supposed to be.”
Desiante claimed to have been a transgender educator in Palm Beach County for 14 years and that he had only recently come out when the Parental Rights in Education bill was passed.
“Do you think you should have returned or do you think you should have stayed, as some people say?” Joel Lopez, a WPTV reporter, asked.
“No, I knew that I had to leave. This is just one small piece of a puzzle,” Desiante said.
Desiante was interviewed last year as he made the decision to move out of state.
Sean Fowler, another transgender educator from Palm Beach County, also left after the Parental Rights in Education Law was passed.
“I don’t feel like I left too early,” Fowler said. “I have lived in Florida for 31 years, and I miss it. I miss my former students and colleagues. This is a great fight, but it is not over,” Fowler said. “I had hoped that my state would make better efforts to encourage diversity in education and treat transgender teachers with dignity and respect. Trans Floridians, whether they are teachers, students, or community members, deserve to live comfortably. This is just another step on the long road to a better state.”
Since its passage, the law has been a significant topic of discussion among their political party, according to Compass LGBTQ+ Center.
“This is definitely a step in the right direction towards reaching a settlement,” said Julie Seaver, executive director of Compass LGBTQ+ Center. “I think the thanks go to the community and our statewide equality organizations, who have been marching to Tallahassee to ensure that our voices are heard, in addition to saying ‘thank you for giving us our rights back,'”
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Law into rules on March 28, 2022. The law prohibits sexual orientation and gender identity education in schools.
Gay-straight alliances can continue to exist, and LGBTQ+ teachers and students can create drawings or images with same-sex partners.
“What do you think about those who claim that the LGBTQ+ community is discriminated against by parental rights in education?” Lopez asked.
“It’s not,” said Thomas Kenny of the Indian River County Moms for Liberty Chapter.
Kenny argued that the agreement shows that the “don’t say gay” rule never existed.
“It simply acknowledges that teaching scientific facts and those things is important in school,” Kenny said.
The law remains in effect as expected.
Kenny said he is satisfied with the parental rights in education as they are and doesn’t have any issues with teachers or students expressing their sexuality.
“Because all of that has an opt-out for parents, the goal is to ensure that all information on sexual matters, identity, and these topics are in line with state education standards,” Kenny said.
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