The "Freedom to Learn Act" and House Bill 677 propose significant changes to Florida's education laws, focusing on inclusivity and the incorporation of diverse perspectives in school curricula. The bills remove previous restrictions on teaching concepts related to race, gender identity, and sexual orientation, including the repeal of provisions concerning personal titles and pronouns. They mandate the inclusion of LGBTQ history in public school curricula, highlight significant events such as Obergefell v. Hodges and the Pulse Nightclub tragedy, and designate the second week of November as "Holocaust Education Week." Additionally, the bills encourage the State Board of Education to adopt standards promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, while allowing the use of state and federal funds for related initiatives.

Furthermore, the legislation modifies the responsibilities of school districts regarding parental notification and student well-being, prohibiting the withholding of information from parents about their child's health unless it poses a risk of harm. It also eliminates penalties for state universities violating certain provisions and removes language that restricted teacher preparation programs from addressing historical events or identity politics. The bills establish a more transparent process for contesting instructional materials and emphasize the importance of diverse viewpoints in school libraries. Overall, these legislative changes aim to create a more inclusive educational environment while reinforcing parental rights in student welfare matters.

Statutes affected:
H 677 Filed: 1000.05, 1001.42, 1001.706, 1001.92, 1004.04, 1004.85, 1007.25, 1012.551, 1012.562