The “Don’t Say Gay” bill was originally signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis two years ago on Mar. 28, 2022.

At the time, it essentially meant that no mention could be made of LGBTQ+ topics from kindergarten to third grade and any LGBTQ+ topics in any grade level could not be made “in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.” Now, it’s been amended.

The original law was extremely vague and left things like the Gay-Straight Alliance club and safe space stickers put up by teachers in a gray area.

“This was very targeted…and it was a way to silence and marginalize a group,” Dr. Peters, sponsor of the Gay-Straight Alliance Club said of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law.

The law has been made clearer even though it’s still in effect. As long as there is no LGBTQ+ instruction in the classroom and it doesn’t form a part of the curriculum, LGBTQ+ discussions, clubs, or reading a book in class with a gay character is completely fine.

“Even though there are amendments made…it never should have existed in the first place,” Peters said of the changes to the law.

Teachers and students alike who were wary of mentioning LGBTQ+ topics can discuss matters of that nature in accordance with the amended law.

Peters said her students were “terrified” when the original law passed two years ago. They were worried the school might have to out them to their parents.

But now, students who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or students with LGBTQ+ parents can talk about their families without fear of getting in trouble.

“I don’t feel like anyone should be grateful for the amendments, I feel like it should have never happened…it’s unconstitutional,” Peters reiterated.

Although there is still much censorship of students and teachers under this amended law, the specificity of the law makes a lot more clear what can and cannot happen in the classroom.