Apopka, Orange County Schools struggling with new LGBTQ legislation

As students wrapped up their first full week of learning, Orange County Public Schools navigated new LGBTQ legislation. The 2022-2023 school year sets a precedent for operations under House Bill 1557, referred to by Gov. Ron DeSantis as the Parental Rights in Education Act.

But with little guidance from the state, educators in Apopka and across the state were left to interpret the new law by their own judgment.

The legislation, also known as the Don’t Say Gay Bill, was signed into effect on July 1st. It received immediate backlash from the White House and districts around the country, many of whom complained it harms the LGBTQ community. The law prohibits classroom instruction on sexuality or gender identity from kindergarten through third grade but also extends this sentiment to anything that is “not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate.” Educators say this language is vague and leaves it open to loose interpretations in each Florida county.

Melissa Byrd, Vice Chair and board member for OCPS District 7, noted how confusing implementing this bill has been for Apopka school employees. Although legal training took place over the summer at Apopka High School, Byrd confirmed it did not include official guidelines for the new bill but only scenario-based advice.

“We had lawyers from the state come in and talk to our school members, but it seemed to do more harm than good,” said Byrd. “It ultimately confused administrators, and we haven’t had any further clarification or guidance from the state since then.”

Last month, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre released a statement that claimed reports of Florida teachers being told not to wear rainbow clothing or put up “safe space” stickers in their classrooms. In Orange County, administrators have ensured teachers that these rules will not extend to their schools.

According to general guidelines recently sent out to OCPS faculty, things like room stickers, clothing, family photos, and references to spouses are not part of classroom instruction. It also includes scenarios where a child may bring up sexuality or gender topics in the classroom. Under OCPS advice, this is mere discussion and not part of a lesson plan. Therefore, there would be no reason to ban it.

“Our teachers are not interested in indoctrinating your kids,” said Byrd. “They truly just want to teach the curriculum and help your child learn what they need to be successful.”

Some faculty have claimed that the Parental Rights in Education Act is unnecessary, especially in public schools where parents have more control. One educator who expressed criticism of the bill is Apryl Cooke, a fourth-grade teacher at Apopka’s Rock Springs Elementary.

“This bill is simply a political stunt; it gives parents what they already had,” said Cooke. “Parents have always had a choice in their child’s education, whether it be which school they attend, books they read for instruction or classes they take.”

Byrd and Cooke also expressed concern about how this bill may impact the national teacher shortage. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “the Florida Education Association estimated the school year started in Florida with about 8,000 teacher vacancies statewide.”

“Because of this new legislation, some teachers are very afraid and hesitant,” said Byrd. “If you are a teacher and part of the LGBTQ community, you may feel like you have to hide. Teachers already face so much, and this bill is just one more thing on their backs; many have left the profession because of it.”

And teachers who choose to stay could also face the potential to be sued without much protection. The bill’s broad language and parental favoring means families who feel a school is not following their interpretation of the bill can file legal complaints.

“The bill sets the stage for teachers to be easily sued as the law is purposely ambiguous,” said Cooke. “Furthermore, this law removes attention from the real issue in education: low teacher and support personnel pay.”

As the school year continues, OCPS administrators will monitor the effects of House Bill 1557 and help all members of the school community manage life under the new legislation.

Editor's Note: The Apopka Voice made attempts to reach other educators for this story. After contacting several Apopka teachers, principals, the OCPS media relations department, and the OCPS public information office, no interview could be attained. Furthermore, each administrator who did respond via email directed requests to administrators or departments who did not provide interview sources.