The language of this bill and its proposed implementation are overly broad and, therefore, problematic. This law is designed to divide, rather than unite. And, ultimately, it is children who will suffer. The legislation will alienate LGBTQ+ individuals and burden teachers, who are already underpaid and in short supply. 

Parents and teachers should be partners, not adversaries. When we fight culture wars in the classroom, students are the ones hurt in the crossfire. Our time and effort is better spent working together to empower our children with knowledge, skills, and habits of mind and character.

Our children deserve better than SB 656.