In a move that has stirred controversy, a Florida teacher, Jenna Barbee, is under investigation by the state for allegedly engaging in ‘indoctrination’. This comes after the fifth-grade educator opted to screen Disney’s 2022 animation Strange World, which features an openly gay character, Ethan.
A Brain Break Leads to a Controversy
Post a standardized testing session, Barbee decided to give her pupils a “brain break” with the animated feature, selected, as she explained on TikTok, for its pertinence to the ongoing curriculum centered around ecosystems. She negated any intent of emphasizing the LGBTQ+ narrative of the movie, describing it as “harmless”.
The teacher alleges a school board member, whose daughter is in her class, reported her to the state authorities. Barbee believes this individual is vehemently against any form of representation in educational settings.
Caught in the Crossfire of Florida’s Education Policies
The incident is further underscored by a shared letter from the Florida Department for Education, indicating Barbee’s investigation for “inappropriate conduct”. This is particularly notable given Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ continuing efforts to suppress LGBTQ+ discussions in classrooms, as evidenced by the controversial ‘Don’t Say Gay‘ bill.
A Teacher’s Plea Amid Controversy
Reacting to the backlash, Barbee expressed her concerns, stating that the investigation might prove more traumatizing for her students than the movie itself. She defends the use of films as educational tools that can offer valuable life lessons and fears that the controversy might eclipse the film’s main message.
Barbee’s plight has elicited public support with many calling on Disney to assist the teacher. Amid the ongoing battle with DeSantis, some even suggest that the corporation should offer legal or financial aid to the embattled educator.
The Implications of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill
The investigation is unfolding against the backdrop of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ law, which prohibits classroom discussions on gender and sexuality and covers all grades in Florida. Critics argue that the bill’s vagueness may lead to self-censorship among teachers, who fear contravening the legislation. As DeSantis possibly prepares for a 2024 presidential bid, this case further underscores the contentious nature of his policies on education and representation.
