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'Grooming': The ubiquitous buzzword in LGBTQ school debate
By KIMBERLEE KRUESI and opponents of the new laws
KARENA PHAN argue, underscores a na-
Associated Press tionwide push by conserv-
Proponents of restrictions atives to make education
on how U.S. public schools a political wedge issue by
address sexual orientation equating certain teach-
and gender identity say ing materials and educa-
their ultimate goal is to al- tors with pornography and
low parents more involve- even pedophilia. This lat-
ment in their children's est trend is another volley
education and ensure in the country's ongoing
classroom materials are culture wars, during which
age-appropriate. conservative lawmakers
But in heated debates at also have opposed the
school board meetings teaching of "critical race
and in statehouses across theory" and proposed bills
the country, the argument requiring schools to post all
they repeatedly put forth course materials online so
is that they are trying to parents can review them.
prevent children from be- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis,
ing "groomed" — the same an ascending Republican
term commonly used to and potential 2024 presi- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shows an image from the children's book Call Me Max by transgender
describe how sex offenders dential candidate, has author Kyle Lukoff moments before signing the Parental Rights in Education bill during a news
initiate contact with their been at the forefront of the conference on Monday, March 28, 2022, at Classical Preparatory school in Shady Hills. At left is
victims. movement. an image of The Genderbread Person, a teaching tool used for breaking the concept of gender.
The use of such rhetoric, Continued on next page Associated Press