Additional Coverage:
- Hundreds of books pulled from Florida school libraries (newsbreak.com)
Florida School Book Ban
A recent report reveals that Florida schools have banned hundreds of books for the 2023-2024 academic year. The 35-page list includes books from popular series like “A Song of Ice and Fire” and “Gossip Girl.”
The ban stems from a new law (HB 1069) that prohibits books that depict “sexual conduct” or are “inappropriate” for the grade level. Parents or residents can file objections, prompting a review of the book before it can be returned or permanently removed.
While some districts had no books removed, others lost dozens or hundreds. Notable authors affected include George R.R.
Martin, Jodi Picoult, Stephen King, and Toni Morrison. Classic novels like “The Handmaid’s Tale” and teen reads like “Thirteen Reasons Why” were also banned.
Challenged books like “All Boys Aren’t Blue” and “Gender Queer” were also removed. Florida leads the nation in school library book bans, according to the American Library Association and PEN America.
PEN America’s Freedom to Read Program Director Kasey Meehan believes the ban restricts students’ access to books that reflect their experiences and help them develop empathy.
Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Florida, claiming the law violates the First Amendment and creates censorship in schools.
However, the Florida Department of Education denies the existence of a book ban, stating that “there are no books banned in Florida.”
Author Laurie Halse Anderson, whose novel “Speak” was removed, argues that parents should have the right to make choices for their own children but not for others.
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- Hundreds of books pulled from Florida school libraries (newsbreak.com)