“Florida School District Faces Backlash for Requiring Parental Consent in Reading African American Author’s Book”
A Florida school district is facing criticism for requiring parental consent for children to participate in a reading activity featuring a book by an African American author. The permission slip, posted by a parent, prompted debate over the state’s Parental Rights in Education law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. The law, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, aims to give parents more control over their children’s education and restricts discussions on sexual orientation or gender identity in classrooms.
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Florida School
The specific incident involved a first-grade class in Coral Way K-8, where a read-aloud session required parental consent to comply with the law. The parent, Charles Walter, expressed surprise at the requirement and gave verbal consent, but the school insisted on a signed form for participation. The law has been criticized for its impact on classroom discussions and activities, with opponents considering it restrictive and unnecessary.
The school district, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, defended the permission slip policy, stating it was in compliance with the state law. However, there is ongoing debate about the law’s implications, and critics argue that it hampers educational activities. Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. clarified that Florida does not require a permission slip to teach African American history or celebrate Black History Month, suggesting that any school implementing such a requirement is in the wrong.
The incident has sparked discussions about the broader impact of the law on various educational activities and the need for clarity in communication between schools and parents. The debate continues as some express concerns about potential restrictions on discussions beyond Black history and African American history, including topics like the Holocaust. The controversy surrounding the permission slip has gained attention on social media, with many expressing disagreement with the policy and calling for reconsideration by the school district.
