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In Florida, three teachers have filed a lawsuit against the state, challenging a new law that bans them from using their preferred pronouns in schools.

The law, which has been in effect since July, stipulates that public school employees cannot use their preferred titles or pronouns with students if they do not align with their sex at birth. The teachers filing the lawsuit argue this law discriminates against transgender and nonbinary individuals in educational settings and violates their constitutional rights. Lawyers for the teacher say, “It prohibits Plaintiffs from using the titles and pronouns that express who they are, the same way that their colleagues do.”

The lawsuit adds that the law not only “stigmatizes” the plaintiffs but also threatens their psychological well-being, disrupts the respect essential for a safe and functional educational environment, and jeopardizes their professional and family stability. Additionally, the lawsuit insists that the state statute should comply with the Constitution and federal laws and should not be enforced.

Orange County Public Schools have communicated this law to students and parents, emphasizing that state employees should use pronouns matching their biological sex at birth.