Over the last few years, Florida state officials have been banning several books in school for what they claim is ‘inappropriate content.’ However, in a sudden twist, Governor Ron DeSantis has called for reform. He has shown support for changes to the existing policies that challenge or outright ban books within the state.
National Outrage
Originally, several books were banned by state officials. This was an attempt to remove content they deemed sexually inappropriate for school children. However, many people criticized this move, claiming it was an example of censorship and government overreach. In fact, several Florida Republicans have expressed an interest in changing the current regulations.
Responses to the Controversy
In an apparent response to the backlash, Florida lawmakers are contemplating measures to avoid the unintended consequences of the book ban policies. One proposed solution involves charging people a fee if they challenge more than five books. This is meant to stop people from making needless objections and ensure any challenges are fair.
Governor DeSantis’ Call for Reform
Reports suggest that Governor DeSantis supports a revision of the state’s book ban policies. He argued the current framework for challenging books is not restrictive enough. He has proposed limiting the number of challenges people can make and potentially fining people who are continually opposing certain books in school curriculums.
DeSantis’ Comments
Speaking about the changes, DeSantis said, “Although we like people wanting to be involved in what’s going on, to just show up and object to every single book under the sun, that is not an appropriate situation here. You should not be reviewing dictionaries, and encyclopedias, and just basic things that have been a part of education for a long time.”
The Legislative Issue
In order to deal with some of the challenges, the Florida Legislature introduced proposals to avoid unnecessary challenges to educational materials. This includes charging people $100 if they oppose more than five books. Reports claim that several Republicans fear that the book banning has gone “too far.”
Impact on School Resources
The number of banned books in the state has already caused numerous issues for schools and school resources. These institutes now have to review several literary materials, including classics and essential reference books, to check that they fit the guidelines. Additionally, some people have said that book bannings need to focus on genuinely inappropriate content.
GOP Responses
Dana Trabulsy is a GOP representative who previously showed her support for book bannings. Speaking about the latest proposals, she said, “I’m happy that we are digging in and trying to remove reading material that is inappropriate for our children. But I think [the people challenging books] really need to be respectful of the amount of books that they are pouring into schools at one time.”
Controversial Topics
At the moment, the topic of book banning is very controversial in Florida. Supporters claim that these measures are necessary to protect students. However, critics claim that banning books is a violation of academic freedom. They argue that the current measures limit students’ access to diverse perspectives.
Legal Challenges
Currently, several groups have launched legal challenges to the book banning, including the publishing group Penguin Random House. They claim that the restrictions violate their right to free speech. However, supporters, including Moms for Liberty and the Proud Boys, argue that these books should not be permitted in schools.
The Holocaust Literature Controversy
Some of the books removed from Escambia County schools include several Holocaust texts, such as Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl and Schindler’s List. Supporters of the ban argue that these books discuss sensitive historical subjects. However, critics claim banning these important texts ignores a crucial part of history.
Activism in Orange County Schools
In Orange County, the book ban debate became even more controversial after Alicia Farant was elected to the school board. She is a member of the Moms for Liberty group and has shown support for banning books with LGBTQ+ content. She has proposed changing bathroom policies for transgender students.
Educator and Community Response
In response to the bans, several teachers have protested the policies. For example, many of them took part in the ‘Freedom to Learn’ rally, where they protested against measures they said were censorship. Not all of the banned books involved LGBTQ+ content, as some focused on African-American studies.
Freedom to Learn
During a Freedom to Learn rally, the National Education Association’s president, Becky Pringle, spoke out against the bans. She said, “We won’t stand by idly as you Ron DeSantis continued to target our students and educators. Floridians all over the state, while you are trying to run to be in the White House, not on our watch. We will demand liberty for students and educators, not just here, but all across the nation. They deserve the freedom to learn.”
Domino Effect
Likewise, one of the teachers at the rally shared her thoughts on the bans. Although she lives in Alabama, Ruby Jiles showed concerns that these bans would spread to other states. She said, “It affects everyone all across the world. Don’t we read all across the world? Doesn’t that impact all of our schools? That’s why it matters.”
Nationwide Leadership in Book Bans
Book bans have been happening in several states. However, Florida is currently leading with the number of book bans. State officials removed almost 400 books from schools last year alone. This number places Florida at the top of the list in the United States, which is far higher than Texas, the second-ranked state.
Book Content
Some of the criteria for banning books in Florida include those that contain violence, abuse, sexual content, race and racism, LGBTQ+ identities, grief and death, and transgender characters. Almost half of the books banned included abuse. Seemingly, 42% of banned books included mental health, suicide, or bullying.
Other Consequences
In the state, several laws have been passed that instruct teachers to suspend access to their classroom libraries while books are being vetted. Several teachers have criticized this move, saying it puts them in a dangerous position. If they are found to violate book-banning laws, they could lose their teaching licenses or even be charged with a felony.
A Case of an Overturned Ban
However, not all the rulings have been final. In Pinellas County, one book ban was overturned. Previously the state had banned the book “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison after parental complaints over a rape scene in the book. Even so, a group recently decided that they would allow students in grades 9-12 to read the book freely.
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