Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the "Don’t Say Gay/Don't Say Trans" law, and its chilling effect on teachers is already underway. As a parent I worry about how this will affect both teachers and students, and that’s why I partnered with the AFT and PFLAG National to start this petition.

On NBC, kindergarten teacher Cory Bernaert eloquently spoke out about how this harmful legislation is affecting his classroom. In response, anti-LGBTQIA+ social media trolls have attacked him. The "Don’t Say Gay/Don't Say Trans" law, and attacks like those made against Cory, threaten his job and the jobs of so many other LGBTQIA+ educators. We can’t let that happen. Teachers deserve to be able to focus on their jobs supporting and educating students, instead of having to worry about these attacks.

No teacher should have to lie about who they are. Florida shouldn’t try to force teachers back into the closet. They shouldn’t try to erase LGBTQIA+ families. But that’s exactly what DeSantis and his allies are doing.

Parents and teachers are in this fight together, supporting one another. Let’s show DeSantis and the forces behind this bill that the American people won’t stand for this. Show your support for Cory and all LGBTQIA+ teachers right now.