'Don't Say Gay' Law

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is brushing off Disney's lawsuit against him as politically motivated and says it's time for the iconic company to stop getting favorable treatment in his state.

Disney is suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the Republican’s takeover of its theme park district, alleging Wednesday that the governor waged a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.”

By state law, books in school libraries must be certified by a media specialist. They must also comply with the Parental Rights in Education Act.

Between July and December 2022, the free speech advocacy group PEN America reports Florida school districts banned 357 titles.

Josie felt like Florida lawmakers were threatening her health care and ability to live authentically at school. So she left. Other families of trans youth are plotting their exits as well.

The Florida Board of Education has approved a ban on classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in all grades. The board passed the proposal on Wednesday. It will take effect after a procedural notice period that lasts about a month.

The DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District will attempt to take back its power at its April meeting.

The Sarasota School Board voted 3-2 against paying $28,000 for Vermilion Education to examine a range of district policies.

Plans include introducing legislation that would end an exemption for Disney parks, and allowing the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to inspect Disney rides.

The controversial vote on Tuesday would grant the consultant access to a range of district policies, practices and textbooks, and includes in-person visits to three schools.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and fellow Republican leaders are promising there’s more to come in an ongoing fight with Disney.

Tom Edwards, the sole moderate on the five-member board, has voiced his opposition to the deal. It's unclear where the other three members stand.