As I was taking the time to reflect upon my previous writing, I wanted to dive deeper within the thoughts related to the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” bill. While I think that my views per previous post were a sufficient response. I do think that many more comments and discussions will arise from signing and implementation, as we are seeing and hearing. For instance: the response from Disney. Further to reflect upon human biology and the matter associated with social institutions, such that of schools.
Parental rights and the right to choose was put first within Florida. But parents also still have options, such as home-schooling, private / charter schools, but what about the right to a public education?
The matter also goes beyond the classroom and teacher instructions to that of the playground, and what takes place beyond what we could term as “controlled” spaces. There will always be conversations +/- as students interact, and unfortunately bullying does happen. Parents are responsible for children with sensitive discussion as Governor Ron DeSantis has specified, but as parents send their children to school, there is also duty and obligations of teachers, principles, guidance counsellors, and those with roles of responsibility within the school community. Such as the duty to care or the Judicious care. Meaning that there is some liability upon school leaders to act and care beyond the teaching materials.
I thought about a student who might be bullied if his / her parents identified as LGBTQ+ or a student who is questioning his / her sexuality, and various scenarios as such. Will there be positive spaces for students? And how will students / teachers / school communities continue to promote a classroom as a positive space?
And of course this is also an opportunity for parents to research, learn more about schools, to ensure that it is the right school for their child, given that student accommodations can also be requested to modify the needs for students, and try to attain education equity as much as possible.
It is also important to remember that some children who attend schools do not have parents. Parents are not able to take care of their children, are not from a tradition nuclear family unit, and also require community supports from institutions including schools. To evoke ideas of moral, ethical duty, and also reveal the heterogeneous nature of students and societies.
- Related Blog Post | MEDITATIONS AND REFLECTIONS: SENATOR RUBIO’S ADDRESS FROM THE HERITAGE FOUNDATION.
- Further Reading: Florida School District Duty of Care to Children
- Image Link | Vintage Map of Florida
“It takes a whole village to raise a child.”
— African Proverb
Notes: These thoughts were originally hand-written on April 2nd 2022. All views and opinions are my own.
With Love & Kindness! 🇺🇸
{HEART'S, FOREVER!} 
