Poorly written law will cause ambiguity in Florida

Florida's “Parental Rights in Education” law is poorly written, overly broad and vague.

It is ambiguous when it states that a school district “may not encourage classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students.”

State Rep. Joe Harding, the author, said he believes primary grade levels should be kindergarten through fifth grade. But, according to reports, officials in the Florida Department of Education say they consider grades K-12 as primary grade levels. Attempts to clarify the definition of “primary grades” were denied.

The law also lacks a definition of “age appropriate” and “developmentally appropriate.” Is this for the judge to determine?

Additionally, the law states that a parent “may bring an action against a school district to obtain a declaratory judgment that a school district procedure or practice violates this paragraph and seek injunctive relief. A court may award damages and shall award reasonable attorney fees and court costs to a parent who receives declaratory or injunctive relief.”

I am concerned that this means schools will be saddled with legal bills to fight lawsuits. There is no provision for the school to be remunerated if it wins.

Let's make sure that kids have access to tools they need to thrive through the difficult time of puberty without thinking they are somehow broken and not normal. Take the advice of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: “Read the bill.”

— Marc Wolfson, Novato