State Restrictions on Instruction of Identity

A number of states have passed legislation restricting the instruction of sexual orientation or gender identity. Although these bills do not specifically refer to audiologists or speech-language pathologists, there are concerns that any expression of gender identity or sexual orientation by an audiologist or speech-language pathologist working with students could be construed as prohibited.

The information is reviewed on an annual basis. Please be advised that laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time, so always check with your state for the most up-to-date information. This material is shared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice, which can only be provided by an attorney.

Alabama

Alabama law restricts classroom discussion by individuals providing classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity to students in kindergarten through the fifth grade at a public K-12 school that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.

Reference: HB 322 (2022) [PDF]

Arkansas

Arkansas law prohibits public school teachers from providing classroom instruction before fifth grade on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Reference: SB 294 (2023) [PDF]

Florida

Florida law restricts classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity in kindergarten through third grade or in a manner that is not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students under state standards.

Reference: HB 1557 (2022) [PDF]

Florida rules restrict classroom instruction to students in grades 4 through 12 on sexual orientation or gender identity unless it is expressly required by state academic standards or is part of a reproductive health course or lesson that parents have an option to have their student not attend.

Reference: State Board of Education Rules 6A-10.081 [PDF]

Indiana

Indiana law restricts instruction by school employees, staff members or third parties on human sexuality in kindergarten through third grade if not part of academic standards developed by the state.

The bill does not prevent a school employee or a school staff member from responding to a question from a student regarding the topic of human sexuality.

Reference: HB 1608 (2023) [PDF]

Iowa

Iowa law prevents a school district from providing any program, curriculum, test, survey, questionnaire, promotion, or instruction relating to gender identity or sexual orientation to students in kindergarten through grade six.

Reference: SF 496 (2023) 

Kentucky

Kentucky law establishes a policy to respect parental rights by ensuring that: (1) Children in grade five and below do not receive any instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases; or (2) Any child, regardless of grade level, enrolled in the district does not receive any instruction or presentation that has a goal or purpose of students studying or exploring gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Reference: SB 150 (2023) [PDF]