When a student’s rights are violated at school—whether it’s misgendering, being denied bathroom access, having a GSA silenced, or witnessing censorship—it can feel overwhelming. But students, parents, and teachers are not powerless. There are systems in place for reporting harm and holding schools accountable. The process is not always easy or fast, but it matters.

Sex education has long been a contested topic in Florida classrooms. But in recent years, what was once basic health instruction has been stripped down, delayed, or blocked entirely. For many students—especially LGBTQ+ youth—this shift has left them without the information they need to navigate relationships, consent, or their own bodies.

For many LGBTQ+ students, access to school-based mental health support can be life-changing. A trusted counselor can offer a safe place to talk about identity, relationships, family challenges, or the everyday stress of school. But in Florida, recent laws and district policies have created confusion and fear about how private those conversations really are.