The Miami-Dade County School Board is considering a proposal this evening for the school district to recognize October as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer History Month, but the move is facing opposition from board members who say the recognition could run afoul of the state’s “don’t say gay” laws. The board had approved a similar resolution in 2021 but rejected the proposal last year following the passage of the controversial law. In a recent meeting, Vice Chair Danny Espino and members Roberto Alonso, Mary Blanco, and Monica Colucci expressed concern about the legality of the resolution, saying it might violate the Parental Rights in Education law’s limits on discussion of sexual and gender identity in the K-12 education system. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the controversial HB1557 into law on March 28, 2022, and the law took effect on July 1 last year. The law and more recent extensions prohibit the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in Florida public schools through graduation in grade 12. Alonso, Blanco, and Colucci also expressed their personal beliefs that discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity are more appropriate at home with family than at school. Queer News Tonight anchor Maxx Fenning is on location monitoring the debate.
