“It creates a barrier for individuals who won't find their people...it creates hatred toward everyone...and not an environment of learning and existence with others who identify differently [from] yourself."
- KYC Youth, [Anonymous]
Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) stands against House Bill 616 and the sweeping, irreversible harm it will inflict on BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ young people. HB 616, also known as Ohio’s “Don’t Say Gay, Don’t Mention Race” bill, prevents these individuals from sharing their lived experiences or seeing themselves represented in curriculum. It denies the reality of the racism, homophobia, and transphobia that are rampant in our institutions. Critical Race Theory, the New York Times 1619 Project, as well as all references to sexual orientation and gender identity would be severely restricted for all students from Kindergarten through 12th grade if this bill passes.
Not only does this kind of censorship target students with marginalized identities, it denies all students the opportunity to learn the realities of United States history. We must call out our legislators for creating bills that so aggressively center whiteness and cis-heteronormativity, and we must take a stand against bigotry. Excluding diverse identities from school curriculum will only serve to increase misunderstanding and prejudice in the community at-large.
Not only does this kind of censorship target students with marginalized identities, it denies all students the opportunity to learn the realities of United States history. We must call out our legislators for creating bills that so aggressively center whiteness and cis-heteronormativity, and we must take a stand against bigotry. Excluding diverse identities from school curriculum will only serve to increase misunderstanding and prejudice in the community at-large.
"The state of Ohio should strive to be able to let people be educated on these issues, especially in these times. It endorses the erasure of LGBTQIA+ youth from being seen as affirming."
- KYC Youth, Jayleh (She/Her), Age 18
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According to the 2019 GLSEN School Climate Survey, 82% of students heard homophobic remarks in school, and 80% heard negative remarks about gender expression. Nationally, 59.1% of LGBTQIA+ students felt unsafe at school on account of their queer identity.
The same survey concluded that “Ohio schools were not safe for most” LGBTQIA+ students. It continued, “…many LGBTQ students in Ohio did not have access to important school resources, such as LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, and were not protected by supportive and inclusive school policies.” Legislation like HB 616 will make the school climate for LGBTQIA+ students even more hostile. |
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Which voices are actually being centered in this discussion? Why? Whose should be?When we publicly discuss legislation impacting young people, LGBTQIA+ people, and BIPOC people, we must ask “Who has a seat at the table?”
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It’s truly simple - all people, regardless of age, deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. Allowing HB 616 to infect our schools will sabotage these basic principles.
We must stop HB 616 in its tracks. Here are some ways you can help!
We must stop HB 616 in its tracks. Here are some ways you can help!
