Letter: DeSantis's actions contradict Constitution

As a student, I am worried about the spread of anti-LGBTQ+ bills being implemented in schools. Recently, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill that would prevent gender-affirming surgery, restrict the use of preferred pronouns and even deny the use of bathrooms for children in school. This is not only outlandish but also goes against the values that our government holds in its establishment.

In the 1969 Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines, it was established that under the protection of the First Amendment, the right to freedom of speech does not stop at the school doors. While it was originally argued over anti-war armbands, the same precedent should be applied to a modern-day version of the issue of gender affirmation.

Restricting gender-affirming pronouns in schools violates this ruling and goes against our Constitution. It greatly contradicts and goes against the ruling in the Tinker v. Des Moines case, as students aren't allowed to freely express themselves when they enter their learning environment.

Additionally, banning gender confirmation surgery and restricting the use of certain school bathrooms would go against our implied right to privacy in the 9th Amendment. These simple and necessary actions have gender-affirming effects on a daily basis and by banning or restricting them, you are forcing these students to give up their right to privacy. Things like using the bathroom and what you look like under your clothes are very personal and private matters and should not be regulated by the government.

DeSantis keeps saying “Let kids be kids,” but if he really felt that way, then he would let them be themselves. He doesn't want “kids to be kids.” He wants to control and silence the LGBTQ+ community.

Juliana Myrant

Mundelein