GLSEN Responds to FL Board of Education’s Decision to Expand Curriculum Ban

GLSEN Responds to Florida Board of Education’s Decision to Expand Curriculum Ban

Today, after the Florida Board of Education voted to expand its ban on classroom instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation through twelfth grade, GLSEN Executive Director Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she) released the following statement:

“The decision by the Florida Board of Education to extend curriculum bans through twelfth grade is disgraceful — and it will result in catastrophic consequences for Florida students and supportive educators. Curriculum bans deprive LGBTQ+ youth of the opportunity to see themselves reflected in the classroom and their non-LGBTQ+ peers from learning about LGBTQ+ communities.

“Based on more than 20 years of research conducted by GLSEN, LGBTQ+ youth who attend schools with inclusive curriculum have higher GPAs, a greater sense of belonging, are more likely to pursue post-secondary education, along with many other benefits that promote long-term wellbeing and achievement. We will continue to fight for positive representation and visibility of LGBTQ+ communities in all schools across the country and stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ youth in Florida.”

About GLSEN

GLSEN is a multi-racial, intergenerational LGBTQ+ organization working nationally and locally to transform K-12 educational systems in the United States. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach millions of students and educators in K-12 schools, via action at the national, state, and local level. Since 1990, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ+ students across the United States and helped launch an international movement to address LGBTQ+ issues in education.