FLORIDA: WHERE NICKNAMES ARE MORE DANGEROUS THAN HURRICANES
Florida, the state that gave us Disney World, alligators, and the infamous "Florida Man" headlines, has now added another title to its repertoire: the most homophobic state in the union. And who better to make this announcement than Governor Ronald DeSantis, the man who looks like he's constantly trying to suppress a smirk?
But what led to this dubious honor? It all started with the Florida nickname law, which sounds like something straight out of a comedy sketch. This law, also known as the "Parental Rights in Education" law, was passed in July 2022 and has been causing quite a stir ever since.
The nickname law is a real piece of work. It prohibits schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Because we all know that five-year-olds are just dying to learn about gender identity. The law also requires parental consent for any instruction about these topics in other grades. Because nothing says "parental rights" like denying your child access to information that could help them understand themselves and others.
But wait, it gets better. The nickname law also requires schools to get parental consent before using a student's nickname or any "deviation from the student's legal name." Because apparently, using a nickname is now a threat to national security. This provision has been criticized by LGBTQ advocates, who say it could be used to discriminate against transgender and non-binary students. But hey, who cares about discrimination when you can have control over your child's name?
Governor DeSantis, who signed the nickname law into effect, is a Republican known for his conservative views on education and social issues. He's also known for his uncanny ability to look like a cartoon villain. Seriously, have you seen this guy? He looks like he's about to cackle and twirl his mustache at any moment.
Supporters of the nickname law say that it's necessary to protect children from being exposed to inappropriate content about sexual orientation and gender identity. Because apparently, acknowledging that LGBTQ people exist is now considered "inappropriate content." Others say that the law gives parents more control over their children's education. Because nothing says "I love you" like denying your child access to information that could help them understand themselves and others.
Opponents of the law say that it's discriminatory and could harm transgender and non-binary students. They also say that the law is unnecessary and that schools are already doing a good job of teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in a sensitive and age-appropriate way. But who needs sensitivity when you can have control over your child's name?
The Florida nickname law is currently being challenged in court by LGBTQ advocates who argue that the law is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment. The case is still pending, but one thing's for sure: this law has sparked a debate about the role of schools in teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. And if there's one thing Florida loves, it's a good debate.
So what does this all mean for the future of education in Florida? It's hard to say. But one thing's for sure: if you're a student in Florida, you better hope your parents are cool with your nickname. Otherwise, you might just have to go by your legal name, which is probably something boring like William Robert.
In conclusion, Florida may now be the most homophobic state in the union, but at least we can still laugh about it. After all, if we can't find humor in the absurdity of our laws, what can we find humor in? So let's all raise a glass to the Florida nickname law: the law that proves that sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.
Florida requires a form for student nicknames. Here's where to find it https://www.theledger.com/story/news/education/2023/08/21/florida-requires-a-form-for-student-nicknames-heres-where-to-find-it/70620918007/
THE DEFT DIVE
FROM BARD AI
Florida's nickname law and why it was passed:
Florida's nickname law, also known as the "Parental Rights in Education" law, was passed in July 2022. The law prohibits schools from teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade, and requires parental consent for any instruction about these topics in other grades.
The law also requires schools to get parental consent before using a student's nickname or any "deviation from the student's legal name." This provision has been criticized by LGBTQ advocates, who say it could be used to discriminate against transgender and non-binary students.
The law was passed by the Florida legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. DeSantis is a Republican who is known for his conservative views on education and social issues.
There are several reasons why the Florida nickname law was passed. Some supporters of the law say that it is necessary to protect children from being exposed to inappropriate content about sexual orientation and gender identity. Others say that the law gives parents more control over their children's education.
Opponents of the law say that it is discriminatory and could harm transgender and non-binary students. They also say that the law is unnecessary and that schools are already doing a good job of teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in a sensitive and age-appropriate way.
The Florida nickname law is currently being challenged in court. A lawsuit filed by LGBTQ advocates argues that the law is unconstitutional and violates the First Amendment. The case is still pending.
It is unclear what the long-term impact of the Florida nickname law will be. However, it is clear that the law has sparked a debate about the role of schools in teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity. This debate is likely to continue for many years to come.
Here are some additional details about the Florida nickname law:
- * The law applies to all public schools in Florida, including charter schools.
- * The law does not define what constitutes a "nickname" or a "deviation from the student's legal name." This has left schools and parents uncertain about how to comply with the law.
- * The law does not specify any penalties for schools that violate the law. However, it is possible that parents could sue schools that do not get their consent before using their child's nickname.
The Florida nickname law is just one example of the growing trend of states passing laws that restrict the teaching of about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. These laws have been met with widespread criticism from LGBTQ advocates and educators. It remains to be seen how these laws will be implemented and what their impact will be on students.
FROM BING AI
Thank you for your interest in Florida's nickname law.
- - Florida's nickname law was adopted in July 2023 by the Florida Board of Education as part of a broader parental rights bill known as House Bill 1069.
- - The law requires parents to give written consent for schools to use any deviation or nickname from their child's legal name in school. Without this consent, school personnel are obligated to use the legal name as it appears on the birth certificate⁴ [^10^].
- - The law also prohibits school employees from being required to use certain titles and pronouns that do not correspond to the child's sex assigned at birth, and restricts classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from prekindergarten through grade eight[^10^] .
- - The law has been criticized by LGBTQ rights groups, educators, and civil liberties advocates as a discriminatory and unnecessary measure that targets transgender and non-binary students who may not be out to their parents or who may face rejection or abuse at home⁷⁹¹¹.
- - The law has also been seen as an example of the state's overreach and interference in classrooms, creating more bureaucracy and paperwork for teachers and parents, and violating the privacy and dignity of students⁹¹¹.
- - The law has been defended by Governor Ron DeSantis and some Republican lawmakers as a way to protect students from having to declare their pronouns in school, and to strengthen the rights of parents and safeguard their child's educational record⁷ .
Bing, 8/21/2023
- (1) New law requires parents to sign permission slip for students .... https://abc-7.com/news/politics/2023/08/09/new-law-requires-parents-to-sign-permission-slip-for-students-nicknames-in-schools/.
- (2) Florida schools require parents permission to use students' nicknames. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/state/2023/08/09/florida-schools-require-parents-permission-to-use-student-nickname/70556899007/.
- (3) Florida Students Now Need Parental Permission to Use Nicknames .... https://people.com/florida-students-now-need-parental-permission-use-non-legal-name-7571342.
- (4) Florida new school nickname rules are a stretch | Miami Herald. https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/article278337344.html.
- (5) Some Florida Students Need Parent's Permission to Use Nickname. https://www.businessinsider.com/florida-students-some-need-parents-permission-nickname-ron-desantis-2023-8.
- (6) DeSantis changed Florida’s NIL law this year. Is it still competitive?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/desantis-changed-florida-s-nil-law-this-year-is-it-still-competitive/ar-AA1ftWEw.
- (7) Does your child use a nickname at a Polk school? There's a form for that. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/does-your-child-use-a-nickname-at-a-polk-school-theres-a-form-for-that/ar-AA1fydAe.
- (8) Is Florida’s NIL state law still competitive nationally? - Yahoo News. https://news.yahoo.com/florida-nil-state-law-still-100000453.html.
- (9) Florida schools require parents permission to use students' nicknames. https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/state/2023/08/09/florida-schools-require-parents-permission-to-use-student-nickname/70556899007/.
- (10) Parents in Florida must OK a teacher calling their child by a nickname .... https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/2023-08-11/parents-in-florida-must-ok-a-teacher-calling-their-child-by-a-nickname.
- (11) Florida's Nickname - Learn what Florida's State nickname is - Foreign USA. https://foreignusa.com/floridas-state-nickname/.
- (12) Florida Students Now Need Parental Permission to Use Nicknames, 'Alternate' Names Under New Ron DeSantis Rule. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/florida-students-now-need-parental-permission-to-use-nicknames-alternate-names-under-new-ron-desantis-rule/ar-AA1eYa9P.
- (13) Florida’s NIL law cost Tampa a high school star. Should it change?. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/more-sports/florida-s-nil-law-cost-tampa-a-high-school-star-should-it-change/ar-AA1frgJL.
- (14) Parent with gay, non-binary children reacts to Florida school rule changes. https://www.clickorlando.com/news/investigators/2023/08/16/parent-with-gay-non-binary-children-reacts-to-florida-school-rule-changes/.
