First-year Florida teacher Jenna Barbee is under fire for showing her fifth grade class the Disney movie “Strange World.” She said her intent was to teach the class about the environment, but because the film features a gay male character, Barbee now faces an investigation by the Florida Department of Education.
Hernando County School Board Member Shannon Rodriguez is the parent of one of Barbee’s students. In a meeting with the board, she said, “I’m not going to stand by and allow this minority to infiltrate our schools … God put me here.” Rodriguez claims that Barbee broke school policy by failing to secure proper approval from the school administration before showing the Disney film.
Rodriguez said, “Allowing movies such as this assists teachers in opening a door… for conversations that have no place in our classrooms.” Barbee insists she did follow the rules by requiring every student to bring a signed permission slip from a parent approving PG movies to be shown in class.
Teachers who violate the Florida Parental Rights Bill can be suspended or have their teaching licenses revoked. Barbee said she simply wants the rest of the school year to be finished in her classroom.
