1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I’m writing this letter to urge you to oppose H.R. 2616, the PROTECT Kids Act, and H.R. 2617, the Say No to Indoctrination Act. These bills are outright dangerous because if they are enacted into law, it will implement unnecessary government overreach that will put vulnerable LGBTQ+ students at greater risk. Schools should be focused on keeping students safe, supported, and able to learn in their academic journey — not forced into policing students’ identities or outing them to their parents regardless of the circumstances at home. Not every student lives in a safe or accepting household. For certain LGBTQ+ youth, forced disclosure of their identities—otherwise known as outing—can lead to abuse, homelessness, mental health crises, self-harm, and even risks of suicide. Teachers, counselors, and school staff need the ability to use professional judgment to protect their students when necessary. These bills would do nothing but unfairly punish schools and educators for doing exactly that. H.R. 2617 also weaponizes vague accusations of “indoctrination” to intimidate teachers and restrict honest discussions about identity, bullying, and inclusion. Students do not become LGBTQ+ just because schools acknowledge LGBTQ+ people exist. Representation and inclusion does not “turn” someone gay or transgender any more than learning about different religions “changes” a student’s faith. It’s all about making sure every LGBTQ+ youth feels safer, respected, and acknowledged as human beings with dignity. What actually does harms students is fear, stigma, and unjust policies that treats them like a political problem out of ignorance, prejudice, and bigotry. Parents matter, but government mandates cannot replace nuance, trust, and student safety. These bills only create fear in classrooms while doing nothing to improve the education system or any student’s well-being. Please vote NO on H.R. 2616 and H.R. 2617.