Roanna Ayers

Please oppose this bill! By explicitly targeting LGBTQ+ topics, HB 1792 signals to LGBTQ+ students that who they are is inherently controversial or wrong, rather than simply part of the diverse reality of our communities. Schools already struggle with bullying, depression, and suicide risk among LGBTQ+ youth; removing affirming, factual discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity will make schools less safe, not more. Age-appropriate education that acknowledges LGBTQ+ people helps students feel seen and allows teachers and counselors to respond effectively when a child is being harassed or is in crisis. HB 1792 creates a private right of action, allowing individuals to sue if they believe a teacher or district has violated the law. That invites litigation over classroom conversations, reading assignments, or even one-off comments, forcing districts to spend scarce resources on lawyers and insurance instead of teachers, counselors, and supports for students. The threat of lawsuits will encourage overly cautious “self-censorship” that harms educational quality across the board.