MIAMI – For the third consecutive year, Miami-Dade County School Board members voted down the proposal to recognize October as LGBTQ+ History Month in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The topic was a point of contention at Wednesday’s school board meeting, with a lengthy lineup of speakers voicing their opinions.
“They are in a school district that celebrates our diversity, that lets our children know they are loved and valued no matter what they are, who they are, who they love, what they become,” one speaker passionately declared.
Yet, others strongly disagreed, stating, “Democracy does not mean that a small minority gets to dictate the agenda. That is exactly what LGBTQ history month will do.”
After several hours of discussion and debate, the board ultimately voted against the proposal, with five members opposing and three in favor. School Board Member Lucia Baez-Geller, who sponsored the item, emphasized that the recognition was a symbolic gesture aimed at celebrating students and promoting inclusion.
“It’s about inclusion,” Baez-Geller asserted.
Pointing out that the move was not about altering curriculum or interfering with state law.
Legal Concerns and Inclusion Debate
The last successful passage of this item was in 2021. Since then, opponents have expressed concerns about the legality of the resolution, suggesting that it might breach the Parental Rights in Education Law’s restrictions on discussing sexual and gender identity within the K-12 education system.
Baez-Geller countered these concerns, stating that the recognition of LGBTQ+ History Month would not violate any state law nor impact the school curriculum in any way.
Contrast with Broward County
In contrast to Miami-Dade’s decision, Broward County Public Schools reaffirmed their commitment to recognizing October as LGBTQ+ History Month. On Tuesday night, the board there voted 6-3 in favor of their proclamation, continuing a tradition that has been in place for over a decade. Baez-Geller expressed her hope that Miami-Dade might follow Broward’s lead in the future.
Despite the passionate appeals from both sides, the Miami-Dade School Board’s decision reflects ongoing tension in the debate over how schools should address diversity and inclusion. The board’s choice not to recognize LGBTQ+ History Month marks yet another chapter in this divisive discussion, highlighting the complexities involved in balancing diverse viewpoints within the educational landscape.
