A Missouri bill would ban 'gender or sexual diversity training' in public schools.It would limit discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in some grades and prohibit it all together in others. In Louisiana, lawmakers introduced HB 837.In Iowa, a Senate proposal would require that parents opt in - in writing - to any instruction 'relating to gender identity.'.But it failed to get any traction this year. In neighboring Georgia, lawmakers targeted private schools - which the state can regulate.An Arizona bill aims to change the state's sex-ed curriculum to focus on biological sex and 'not gender identities.'.Alabama advanced a measure prohibiting early classroom instruction on sexual and gender identity.Taking Florida's lead, states began proposing their own bills. 'When I talk about families in my classroom, am I going to be violating this law because the children were having discussions about what their family looks like?' A cascade of bills have followed But talking about families is part of her curriculum, and some of her students may have two moms or two dads. Teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity isn't part of the first -grade curriculum, Stephens told NPR. It drew immediate nationwide controversy - and had teachers like Paula Stephens worried.
