FLORIDA TEACHERS AND STUDENTS VS THE CULT
Protect My Students: Florida Teachers Speak Out on New State LGBTQ+ Policies, But It Seems That It Is the Teachers That Also Need Protection from the MAGA Madness That DeSantis Is Subjecting Public Schools as He Plots to Destroy Florida Public Schools
Florida teachers are in a tizzy over new state laws that are impacting LGBTQ+ students and faculty. But it seems that it's not just the students who need protection, as the MAGA madness that DeSantis is subjecting public schools to is also affecting the teachers. In fact, some teachers are so fed up with DeSantis' antics that they're considering forming their own club: the "Stressed-Out Educators Alliance."
One teacher, William Rizzo, who heads the Stallion Pride Club at a middle school in Palm Beach County, said the club is shrinking in size due to new laws that require parent permission slips for all clubs. This means that some students are unable to participate for fear of their parents' reaction. Rizzo suggested that the school board should create a new club called the "MAGA Meltdown Club," where parents can give permission for their children to participate in activities like throwing tantrums and blaming immigrants for all of their problems.
In addition, preferred pronouns can no longer be inquired about and parents must officially register any nicknames a student wishes to be called. This has led to some interesting situations, such as when a student asked to be called "Supreme Overlord" and the school had to contact their parents to confirm that this was indeed their preferred nickname. One teacher joked that they were considering asking to be called "Your Majesty" in order to assert their authority over their unruly students.
Rizzo asked the school board what they plan to do to protect LGBTQ+ teachers and students and how they plan to show they understand his concerns. The board has yet to address the issue within legal boundaries, but some teachers have come up with their own solutions. One teacher suggested that they start wearing rainbow capes to school as a show of solidarity with their LGBTQ+ students. Another teacher suggested that they start putting up posters of RuPaul in their classrooms to promote diversity and inclusivity.
A workshop called "Everyday Teaching 4 Joy & Justice" was held in West Palm Beach, Florida to help the community understand the new school legislation in Florida and how to advocate for their rights. The workshop discussed laws including the "Stop WOKE Act," the "Don't Say Gay" law, and the new law limiting the use of preferred pronouns. The event was led by Dr. Bianca Nightengale-Lee, an assistant professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Florida Atlantic University, and this was the first of a series of workshops in partnership with the bookstore.
One teacher who attended the workshop said that they learned a lot about how to navigate the new laws while still supporting their LGBTQ+ students. They said that they plan to start using code words with their students, like "rainbow" instead of "gay," in order to avoid running afoul of the new legislation. Another teacher said that they plan to start wearing rainbow socks to school as a subtle way of showing their support for LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite the challenges posed by DeSantis' new laws, Florida teachers are determined to continue fighting for their students' rights. As one teacher put it, "We may not be able to change DeSantis' mind, but we can change the hearts and minds of our students." And with a little bit of humor and creativity, they just might succeed.
'Protect my students': Florida teachers speak out on new state LGBTQ+ policies | WEAR https://weartv.com/news/nation-world/protect-my-students-florida-school-teachers-speak-out-on-new-state-lgbtq-policies-palm-beach-county-pride-clubs-gay-straight-alliance-gsa-pronouns-coming-out-lesbian-gay-transgender
Workshop helping people navigate through Florida's new school legislation https://www.wptv.com/news/education/workshop-in-west-palm-beach-helping-people-navigate-through-floridas-new-school-legislation