Miami-Dade School Board Rejects LGBTQ+ History Month after 14-Hour Debate

The Miami-Dade County School Board rejected a proposal to recognize October as LGBTQ+ History Month in a meeting that extended into the early hours of Thursday. This meeting, which lasted over 14 hours, featured impassioned speeches from over 100 parents, students, educators, advocates, and non-profit representatives who debated the proposal. Some argued that this month deserved equal recognition to Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, while others felt the celebration was a waste of time. The proposal was ultimately turned down in a 5-3 vote around 1:15 a.m. While the celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month used to be a routine at the school, administrators became cautious when Florida lawmakers passed the Parental Rights in Education Act, which critics have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” This law bans classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation from kindergarten to third grade. Groups such as the Proud Boys and Moms for Liberty were present outside the meeting. The school board’s decision has sparked strong reactions on social media.