FEA GUIDANCE ON HB 1557: here.
FEA KNOW YOUR RIGHTS GUIDE: here.
HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN ON HB 1557 & HB 7: here.
OCPS GUIDANCE FOR HB 1557: here.
Dear Members,
As we head back to school, amidst the excitement of the new year, our members have good reason to feel anxious about the political rhetoric and accusations made by our governor about what we teach.
Many of you have asked for guidance regarding HB 1557- the so-called Parental Rights bill or more commonly called Don’t Say Gay. We have received written guidance from OCPS, the Florida Education Association (FEA), and the Human Rights Campaign and have placed these on our website HERE. We are also working with community partners to create a one-page simplified version of this guidance which specifies that Safe Space Stickers, Ally Lanyards, Rainbows, and Gay Straight Alliances are allowed. LGBTQ employees may display photos of their families on their desks. All this guidance is based upon what we currently know, to help educators navigate the pitfalls inherent in HB 1557.
We also believe that students need to be taught our nation’s full history. By learning the good and the bad, students can gain the knowledge they need to help create a better future as we continue to strive towards a more perfect union. This guide created by FEA in partnership with AFT and NEA makes clear what your rights are and provides answers to frequently asked questions about teaching history in the light of recent legislative attempts to censor the full truth of our nation’s past.
These intentionally vague bills have caused confusion and concern for our members and school leaders even before the school year began. Little guidance has been provided by the State. It is as if they have taken a wait and see approach to seed more chaos and division in our schools – and cause self-censorship. CTA is here for you and will always stand for the civil rights of all students, staff and their families.
In solidarity,
Clinton McCracken
(Pronouns: he/him/his)
OCCTA President
