SUMMARY
Students and teachers in Florida can now discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, as long as it’s not part of formal instruction. It’s an important change after a new settlement between state education officials and civil rights attorneys who challenged the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law. Both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and LGBT advocates called the settlement a major win this week.
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WARM UP QUESTIONS
- Who are the key parties involved in the settlement?
- Why was the law challenged?
- Where did the discussions take place?
- When did the settlement take place?
- What changes have been made as a result of the settlement?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What are the broader implications of the settlement for students across the U.S. regarding discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity?
Media literacy: How can news outlets bring more attention to stories like this?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Watch the Student Reporting Labs video and answer the following question: Why is it important to feel included?
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