After tense meeting, Miami school board rejects proposal to recognize LGBTQ Month
Miami Herald | By Clara-Sophia Daly | September 12, 2024
The Miami-Dade School board rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would recognize October as LGBTQ History Month, marking the third year in a row the board has voted down the item.
The meeting sometimes became chaotic as a stream of advocates for and against the measure took to the podium during the public discussion about the resolution, which began in the early afternoon and continued late into the evening.
If it were implemented, the recognition of LGBTQ History Month at Miami-Dade schools would be a symbolic gesture proponents say would create an environment where all students feel included. It would not influence what is taught inside classrooms nor require students to participate in any events.
The vote was rejected 5-3, with one board member absent.
SCHOOL BOARD STILL DIVIDED
The proposal was introduced by board member Lucia Baez-Geller of District 3, who is stepping down from the school board to run for congress against Republican Maria Elvira Salazar. Baez-Geller’s proposal states that recognizing LGBTQ History Month would “foster a welcoming school climate where LGBTQ students, families, and educators can live their authentic lives and be treated with dignity and respect.”
Members of the Miami-Dade School Board listen to members of the community as they discuss item H-10 during a Miami-Dade School Board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024. The proposal would recognize October as LGBTQ History Month in the Miami-Dade school district. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Baez-Geller introduced the item this year by reminding her colleagues on the board that the proposal is legal thanks to a court settlement that eliminated some of aspects of Governor Ron DeSantis’ “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Danny Espino made it clear in the meeting that not withstanding any individual legal settlements, he will not support it as he believes it infringes upon parents rights. “It’s a slippery slope that will replace parental consent with government consent.”
Board chair Mari Tere Rojas, vice chair Monica Colucci and members Roberto Alonso and Mary Blanco also voted against the proposal. School board member Steve Gallon was not present during the vote.
Luisa Santos and Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall both voted in favor. “It’s one way we can take a small stand against prejudice and tell our students you are valued and your safety matters,” said Santos. Bendross-Mindingall said the item will reduce bullying and mental health issues, and foster inclusivity.
CHRISTIAN FAMILY COALITION MOBILIZED
Dozens of Christians attended the school board meeting on Wednesday arguing during the public comment that LGBTQ issues should not be discussed or celebrated in schools, likening it to “left-wing indoctrination.”
Antonio Verdugo, the executive director of the Christian Family Coalition, was at the meeting and said his organization sent emails and texts to around 60,000 of its members in Miami-Dade, encouraging them to show up to the meeting.
Miami resident Michael Steiner speaks against Miami-Dade public schools recognizing LGBTQ History Month at a Miami-Dade school board meeting. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
One of them was Marsha Hertig, who said celebrating LGBTQ History Month “is not right in the sight of God. He made us male and female and told us to reproduce.”
As a line formed outside the building of people wishing to speak, there was a pervasive sense of tension as an attorney who supports LGBTQ rights got into a heated argument with a parent who said he believes recognizing LGBTQ History Month infringes on his rights as a Christian.
During the public comment, Chair Mari Tere Rojas interrupted speakers multiple times to calm down cheers, and other disruptions. One woman was escorted out of the auditorium.
Miami-Dade School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas had to interrupt during the public forum to calm the attendees down. SAM NAVARRO Special for the Miami Herald
Maxx Fenning, the founder and executive director of PRISM, a nonprofit organization that provides sexual health information to LGBTQ+ youth, spoke in favor of the item. “There is more that unites us than divides us; we will not be persuaded by hate,” he said.
Another speaker was school board candidate Joe Geller, who is running for a seat in District 3 against Martin Karp. Geller is a lawyer and former state representative.
“This recognition [of LGBTQ History Month] is not classroom instruction, does not violate state law,” said Geller. He added that vulnerable populations have a right to feel good and protected, and asked the board to support the proclamation.
LGBTQ issues in the spotlight in Florida
Over the past three years, there has been debate in the state of Florida over the role schools should play in discussing LGBTQ-related topics. Policies related to gender identity have taken up increased space on the political stage in the state.
DeSantis signed the Parental Rights in Education Act often called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law in 2022. The law intended to limit discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in Florida schools. A lawsuit that was settled in March now makes it legal for students and teachers to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity as long as it is not part of the instruction.
There have also been bills in the state addressing gender-transition treatment, bathroom use, and keeping children out of drag shows.
In 2021, before discussions about LGBTQ issues began to dominate in the conversation in Florida, the item to celebrate LGBTQ Month was approved by the Miami-Dade school board. That was the last time the board approved the measure.
Last year before the item was rejected, members of the Proud Boys showed up at the school board building and the meeting went on for close to 13 hours.
On Tuesday, the Broward County School Board approved a measure to recognize LGBTQ History Month in its schools. Orange, Hillsborough, and Palm Beach counties also voted to recognize the month without much controversy as school districts across the country have for decades.
