Ohio's bill 'goes into more depth,' Collins said because it included 'instructional materials.' She took that to mean potentially removing books with gay characters from elementary school libraries. The two didn't respond to interview requests, but opponents said the two pieces of legislation were 'strikingly similar.'įor example, Florida's law states that 'classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade three.' Schmidt and Mike Loychik, R-Cortland, sponsored HB 616. The legislation would also ban other divisive concepts such as the 1619 Project, critical race theory, intersectional theory, inherited racial guilt, diversity, equity, and inclusion learning outcomes and 'any other concept that the state board of education defines as divisive or inherently racist.' Similarities to Florida law Ron DeSantis signs bill into law, lashes out at 'fake narratives'Įducators and schools who violate the proposed law could face suspension and the loss of state funds depending on the severity of the offense. Older kids could discuss these issues, but 'any curriculum or instructional materials on sexual orientation or gender identity' would have to be 'age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.'
