Safe & Healthy Schools

Equality Florida’s Safe and Healthy Schools program strives to implement systemic change throughout Florida’s 67 school districts. Despite the harmful laws and rules passed in Florida, we work closely with school districts to ensure they still create environments where all youth, including our LGBTQ youth, can thrive.

The program has opened doors and forged ongoing partnerships for the benefit of LGBTQ students across Florida. Over the past ten years, our team has trained nearly 45,000 teachers, principals, and mental health professionals. By expanding training across Florida, we are ensuring school-based staff have the tools and resources to support the unique needs of our LGBTQ youth and their families.

As we continue to provide professional development, it is important that teachers, parents, and students understand Florida’s laws. In March of 2024, after nearly 2 years of fighting the Don’t Say LGBTQ law in the courts, we reached a historic settlement agreement with the state that put an end to some of the most dangerous impacts of “Don’t Say LGBTQ” for Florida’s students, parents, and teachers.

Geanny Joseph Ruiz serves as the Director of Safe and Healthy Schools for Equality Florida. She is a South Florida native of Haitan descent. Geanny has worked extensively within education systems providing professional development and resources to advance the health, safety and well-being of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. Prior to her time at Equality Florida, she managed the Office of LGBTQ+ Initiatives and Allyship at Florida Atlantic University’ s Center for Inclusion, Diversity Education and Advocacy. She has implemented policies, procedures and programs to foster inclusive environments for all students. Geanny holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Communications and a Masters Degree in Education.