Florida Freedom to Read Project @FLFreedomRead Twitter profile

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

2 years

We’ve heard you can raise hundreds of thousands of dollars selling tees 😉. Now, we didn’t come up with any hypocritical slogans or use Zapf Chauncey font, but we think our designs are pretty awesome.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Yesterday we logged almost 200 challenges- about 150 of those resulted in immediate removals. This is a picture of all the books removed from one HS library, in one day, in one District, due to the objections of one man. This is not freedom. #FreeTheBooks

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

What a carefully worded statement. The books are restricted from lower grades within the school. They are now stored on shelves available to grades 6-8 after a parent objection that demanded full removal. A compromise that sacrifices some student access is still censorship.

Miami-Dade Schools

@MDCPS

11 months

In order to ensure accurate information, @MDCPS is compelled to clarify that the book titled, “The Hill We Climb” by @TheAmandaGorman was never banned or removed from one of our schools. The book is available in the media center as part of the middle grades collection.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Confessions from a FL Teacher: After learning an excerpt from THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK was challenged in her school’s curriculum for being age inappropriate, this teacher shared a common note of exhaustion. The attacks on their personal library collections are unnecessary….

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

“I am shocked to discover that America has such an attachment to ignorance. I thought we were better than this…Well, we’re not. So we have to deal with it. We have to fight back. And then we have to continue to tell the truth.” ⁦ @levarburton ⁩

Column: DeSantis is waging a 'battle for reality' with his anti-trans, anti-Black book bans

Hours after the Florida governor announced his run for president, LeVar Burton of "Reading Rainbow" fame issued a stark warning about what's at stake.

www.latimes.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Thank you to those who share our outrage over so many important, diverse stories being removed in FL schools. We don’t have a PR team or deep pockets to get the word out, so we are grateful for the RTs. The librarian who shared the image w/ us has this message:

Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Yesterday we logged almost 200 challenges- about 150 of those resulted in immediate removals. This is a picture of all the books removed from one HS library, in one day, in one District, due to the objections of one man. This is not freedom. #FreeTheBooks

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

“During a hearing in Tallahassee, the Trump-appointed judge asked a representative of Florida AG Ashley Moody's office if, for example, the state believed an official could selectively remove school library books written by Democrat politicians…”

Judge hears Florida's argument that school book bans are protected government speech

Can a government official selectively remove school library books written by Democrats? Florida says yes, claiming it's protected government speech.

www.tallahassee.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

@FredTJoseph Thank you for writing amazing books! Please know there are parents and educators in FL in every district fighting back, but it isn’t easy under the GOP machine. We are demanding education leaders put our students first, and stop w/ fear-based decisions.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

@NinjiHurog We have that:

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“Fascism isn’t just going to show up one day and say, ‘I’m here,’ and take all your rights away. It’s creeping in, in increments, and this is the start … right now it’s blatant, in our face, and they’re starting with the books.” - Lisa Superina

Residents protest against the banning of books

Dozens gather along Babcock St. at Bulldog Blvd. in Melbourne to protest against the banning of books

www.floridatoday.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

“…Attorney Bridget O'Hickey replied in the affirmative. If Floridians didn't like it, she added, they could vote that official out.” Thank you @DouglasSoule for this reporting. This is NOT a culture war. This is an attack on our civil liberties.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

We were surprised to see the graphic novel LITTLE ROCK NINE on the FLDOE survey results for removed books in Wakulla Schools. We reached out for documentation on the removal, and this is what we received this morning. Segregation & Brown v. BOE are taught in grade 4.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

@WSHSNNLib It’s really terrible policy updates that came over the summer in an effort to “err on the side of caution” and remove books while they await their review. This man figured out by flooding the system he could get the books removed for years. They only review 3-4 books/month.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“I live in Key West…[we have] a governor who wants to control everything, starting with what kids can think, what they can know, what they can question, what they can learn, and now even what they can talk about.” ⁦ @judyblume ⁩

Judy Blume Slams Gov. DeSantis’ Florida Censorship in Passionate Speech: ‘Teachers Are Under Fire’

Acclaimed author Judy Blume calls out Ron DeSantis' censorship bill in Florida, "they are criminalizing teachers and librarians."

variety.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“16 books challenged for inappropriate content will remain on school library shelves…The board, in a 4 to 1 vote, AGREED WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF A 34-MEMBER REVIEW COMMITTEE to keep the books in the public schools.” More 👏 of 👏 this 👏 please! 👏

St. Lucie County School Board decides to keep challenged books in school libraries

The board, in a 4 to 1 vote, agreed with the recommendation of a review committee to keep the books in the public schools.

www.tcpalm.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

The picture book THAT’S BETTY: THE STORY OF BETTY WHITE was added to the restricted list in @ecpsfl today. Challenged for being “content and age inappropriate” as outlined in HB1557! (yes, it’s Vicki again)

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

"Governor DeSantis' so-called 'war on woke' is really a war on honest education, on children, and on families. It's racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia cloaked as parents' rights—but moms aren't buying it.” - Nina Perez, ⁦ @MomsRising ⁩

Ron DeSantis' war on "woke" targets Holocaust textbooks

Two high school books have reportedly been rejected by the Florida Department of Education.

www.newsweek.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

After a parent complained the film RUBY BRIDGES was inappropriate for classroom use (even though parents gave permission) @my_pcs removed it. The community rejected the censorship & the film is back curriculum. Local parents have arranged a screening.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

@CBSSunday Parents in FL & around the country are pushing back against M4L’s book bans in our school & public libraries, but none of that is covered here. Why were they not presented with the picture & history books their group fought to remove and asked why?

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

“We are angry. We are frustrated. We are insulted; our degree, required by the state, means less than one parent’s right to choose. They will now mandate what is selected based on their biased personal beliefs, and not our professional degrees.”

In the Field: School Librarians Share Their Battles with Book Banning

We spoke with school librarians across the country about best practices in the face of censorship attacks, and how they are finding and offering support during this stressful and troubling time in...

www.publishersweekly.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

9 months

Are you a Florida parent uncomfortable with the idea of your child using PragerU materials? You have the right to opt-out. Here are two easy email templates to choose from:

AFT

@AFTunion

9 months

Watch & share: @FloridaEA President @AndrewSparFEA talks about Florida’s new “conservative curriculum” and what it means for students and educators.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

6 months

.⁦ @Pink ⁩ says that at her upcoming concerts, she will be giving away thousands of books that are prohibited in the Sunshine State’s public schools. We keep a (long) list on our website that is updated weekly!

Pink to give away banned books at Florida tour stops

Pink wants to “Get the Party Started” against Florida book bans — the singer says at her upcoming concerts she’ll be giving away thousands of books that are prohibited in the Sunshine State’s publi…

thehill.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

“One of the foundations of education is to develop critical, informed, compassionate citizens because we think that’s fundamental to democracy. And we think that democracy doesn’t work unless children are educated and they understand various perspectives.”

After Florida bans Amanda Gorman poem, New Roads school rallys in support

Students at New Roads School are rallying around one of their famous Alumni after a poem by Amanda Gorman was banned from a Florida School.

smdp.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

“This poem hoax. And so what this is, this is some book of poems. I never heard of it,” DeSantis said regarding “The Hill We Climb,” which was read at President Joe Biden’s inauguration. (This man wants to be President)

Ron DeSantis rails against 'poem hoax' at homeschool convention

DeSantis rejected the idea that the poem was banned. The author disagrees.

floridapolitics.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

@DouglasSoule “Winsor also asked O'Hickey if she thought the government speech doctrine applied to public libraries. She indicated that was the state's take, but said it applied more forcefully to public school libraries.” Paying attention yet?

Judge hears Florida's argument that school book bans are protected government speech

Can a government official selectively remove school library books written by Democrats? Florida says yes, claiming it's protected government speech.

www.tallahassee.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Remember that school district DeSantis spoke about freedom at yesterday ( @oneclayschools )? Well, they just added another 50+ books to their list of removed books that are out until they complete the challenge, review and appeal process. The total now is 355 since July 1, 2022.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

The Hill We Climb is making headlines, but please don’t forget there are three other titles - titles clearly written for elementary school readers - that are restricted too. We need to get The ABCs of Black History, Love to Langston, & Cuban Kids back on K-5 shelves too!

Jonathan Friedman 📚

@jonfreadom

11 months

It's not just @TheAmandaGorman . This book was challenged in Miami Dade county for "CRT and gender ideology" by a single parent, too. The district acknowledged it was written for kids aged 5+, but decided it was inappropriate before 6th grade... 👀 🧵

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Diaz said teachers' concerns are unwarranted because only materials deemed "harmful to minors" would result in a felony. This is cold comfort because right-wing activists & govt allies consider books by Toni Morrison pornography. ⁦ @JuddLegum ⁩

UPDATE: Florida Commissioner of Education attacks Popular Information

The Florida Commissioner of Education, Manny Diaz Jr., lashed out at Popular Information's recent reporting on Florida classroom libraries, calling it "fake news from media activists too lazy to read...

popular.info

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

What happens when you have a law that requires every book in K5 be approved by a certified media specialists and catalogued online, and other ones that are unclear as to whether or not they apply to voluntary reading, but also no certified media specialists in the district? THIS.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“DeSantis wants to pretend that Black history isn’t American history. Leaders like him are the reason why FL has seen a huge surge in hate crimes & acts of racism over 2yrs. Kids deserve to go to school to learn history, not hate,” ⁦ @MaxwellFrostFL ⁩

Florida cites CRT, ‘Black Struggle,’ and communism in rejected African American course

Florida rejected an Advanced Placement African American studies course because it contains critical race theory and state leaders objected to its lessons on “Black queer studies,” Black…

www.orlandosentinel.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

@HjelmRo One parent tried to challenge the Bible in Escambia. You need to see how they justified not taking the good book through review while allowing complaints for “anti-white agenda” and “gay agenda” to go through a review committee.

ECPS 22-23 Reconsiderations (website)

Current challenges Title,Author,Level (ES, MS, HS),Decision Restricted or Removed Titles also removed from AR Quizzes,Restricted Access Y/N During Review Process,Date Challenge Submitted,Challenge...

docs.google.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

“ @TheAmandaGorman ’s poem calls for bridging our divides to enable our country to live up to its promise, declaring this an incomplete project. The idea that this represents hate and indoctrination is farcical.”

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“It never caused a stir until this year, as parents across Florida exert increased powers to question what children can see and read in schools.” ⁦ @JeffSolochek ⁩ A Disney movie about Ruby Bridges. It’s not a hoax. Power to the loudest parent.

Removal of ‘Ruby Bridges’ film from Pinellas school sparks outrage

A parent complained that the movie might teach white children to hate Black children.

www.tampabay.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“I’m done! I’m done! What do I do now?” Every teacher, in every classroom, hears this many (thousands) of times daily from their students. In my classroom, for more than a decade, the answer has always been “Get a book and read.” That is until last week…

I’m a teacher in Florida. Here’s what the book bans look like in my classroom

A new crackdown on books in Florida schools has had a chilling effect in classrooms.

www.independent.co.uk

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

And the books we’re talking about: one is intended for grades K-3, two are intended for grades 3-6, and the last is Amanda Gorman’s historic, inaugural poem delivered to an audience of all ages. Middle schools shelves are not the only “age appropriate” shelves for these books.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Thank you to our advocates on the ground in Manatee that advocated for all students to have access to classroom libraries! They are back open! @Marie_Masferrer thanks for leading the charge!

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

Parent-led orgs like us, ⁦ @momsforsj ⁩ and ⁦ @_dofd ⁩ are not going to let a minority of parent voices set the standard of what is appropriate information for our students to learn. Their fight isn’t about parental rights. It’s about control.

A Far Right Moms Group Is Targeting Students. These Women Are Fighting Back.

“We treat Moms for Liberty like the KKK. If you knew that a KKK meeting was happening in a church down the street from your house, everyone would be alarmed.”

www.vice.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

7 months

"Are we removing books from any school/media center, Prek-12 if a character has, for example, 2 mothers or because there is a gay best friend or a main character is gay?" the librarians asked. Charlotte County Superintendent Mark Vianello answered, "Yes."

Florida school district orders librarians to purge all books with LGBTQ characters

Librarians in public schools in Charlotte County, Florida, were instructed by the school district superintendent to remove all books with LGBTQ characters or themes from school and classroom librar...

popular.info

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

4 months

Today the @orlandosentinel featured our research in print. This image contains the names of 673 titles currently not allowed in Orange County classroom libraries. There are over 1500 off the shelves of all media centers in Escambia County Schools.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

9 months

“If you just don’t want it for your one child, that’s parenting, but if you are trying to limit the access for other people’s children without a robust understanding of what they want, to me that is censorship.” ⁦ @jessicavaughnsb ⁩ We agree!

‘You can’t just come in and take any books’: Hillsborough County School Board discusses book removal

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Removing books from schools has become a controversial topic in Florida, and Tuesday, the Hillsborough County School Board held a workshop to discuss Florid…

www.wfla.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

@DouglasSoule And yet the FOX News headline downplays the chipping away of First Amendment rights. Where are the “classic” Conservatives that argue against big government?

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Both of these books are intended for the same age group. Both of these books include references to sexual orientation & kissing. Only one has been banned from elementary libraries in at least 12 districts because of HB1557. FLDOE & FLGOP know it’s discriminatory & don’t care.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

“Almost 60 percent of K-12 parents polled said they oppose book bans from school boards, and two-thirds said they oppose state lawmakers’ bans.” A small govt solution to respect parents’ rights: allow parents to set individual restrictions for their child

About half of Republicans oppose book bans: poll

About half of all Republicans oppose banning books in schools, even as many GOP lawmakers throughout the country have implemented laws restricting materials being taught in the classroom, according…

thehill.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

They don’t want to be called book banners. They want you to see their efforts, calling for removal of “age inappropriate” content from our libraries, as benign & necessary to “protect” our kids. Pick an era in history & think about what was declared “inappropriate” & by whom…

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

@antoneta_silva 👏 We proposed similar to many of the districts that are revising their challenge policy to comply with HB1467 right now. Books stay on the shelf, there should be a charge (just like PRRs) to cover the cost to review the books & a limit to how many you can submit at once.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

“…FL is the undisputed champ. A 2022 study found that Florida had the most teacher vacancies in the country, followed by Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama (all Morrison Eighteen states). Florida also logged the highest number of underqualified teachers.”

The Red State Brain Drain Isn’t Coming. It’s Happening Right Now.

As conservative states wage total culture war, college-educated workers—physicians, teachers, professors, and more—are packing their bags.

newrepublic.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

The children are speaking up. Their voices matter. This is their education - the one promised to them in the Florida Constitution. This is not a hoax. The children know that. Their parents know that. Stop spinning it. Start fixing it.

Sara Calleja

@saracallejalit

1 year

Surprised by the List of Banned Books in FL, 3rd Grade Reader Sits Down and Writes a Letter to Ron DeSantis. @GovRonDeSantis @POTUS @FLFreedomRead

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

This is a book that was in the library, not curriculum. It is written at a third grade reading level and covers topics that are part of fourth grade standards. But, we “err on the side of caution” now and curate our libraries for the younger readers accessing the library.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

4 months

Firestorm Books in Asheville, North Carolina, took charge of 22,500 books. These books were removed from the ⁦ @DuvalSchools ⁩ system in Florida. Their mission is to return these books to the community where they originated i.e. Florida.

Bookstore Returns Banned Books to the Local Community of Florida

Firestorm Books, a revolutionary bookstore in Asheville, North Carolina, took charge of 22,500 books. These books were removed from the Duval County Public Schools system in Florida. Their mission is...

goodereader.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

2 years

Florida educators are reporting that access to BrainPop may be restricted - certain topics like Jim Crow, Brown v. Board of Ed, the Tulsa Massacre, and September 11th get this message, but in some districts all use of the app has ceased.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

It’s clear that the DeSantis admin believes some speech is ‘harmful to minors’ but other speech can be forced upon thousands of families visiting our state w/o any need to condemn it + expanding their right to carry guns while doing it. #Priorities

Nazi demonstrators brandish Ron DeSantis 2024 signs outside of Disney World

The Governor is in Oklahoma for a political speech; we have reached out for comment.

floridapolitics.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

2 years

Just a reminder that the FL Board of Education just closed thousands of classroom libraries across the state until they can be cataloged and approved by a Media Specialist in their district (if there is one) because 1% of parents in FL are worried about this.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

@DouglasSoule The FOX News article covering the hearing avoids any explanation of the plaintiffs’ argument or the judge’s concerns, and they did not report that the state’s argument also applies to public libraries!

Florida’s AG goes to court to battle for public schools’ right to remove books deemed inappropriate

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody defended a Florida school district in a lawsuit alleging free speech rights were violated by book restrictions in school libraries.

apple.news

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

For those asking about the teacher under investigation in Spring Hill, FL for showing the Disney movies, you can hear directly from her about what prompted the investigation. #TikTok

TikTok - Make Your Day

TikTok - trends start here. On a device or on the web, viewers can watch and discover millions of personalized short videos. Download the app to get started.

www.tiktok.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

DCPS have sent about 60 tons of library books to a paper recycling center in GA since FL passed its new book review law last year. That’s almost 2x as many tons as the district sent for recycling the year prior, according to recycling logs.

Duval Schools doesn’t know what to do with unapproved books - Jacksonville Today

Duval County Public Schools sent almost twice as many library books to its recycling plant this school year than it did last year.

jaxtoday.org

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@FLFreedomRead

3 months

When people in charge of education label a book “pornography” because it describes sexual assault, do you think they take a moment to reflect on the message they are sending to teens about sexual assault? Sexual assault is NOT pornography. It’s violence.

This book was limited to only Broward high schools after board member raised concerns

The book “Forever” by Judy Blume will only be accessible to Broward County high school students after a board member raised concerns over the work’s sexual themes.

www.nbcmiami.com

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“We will not change the tide of book bans and defunding of libraries by sharing a hashtag. We’ll do it by showing up, speaking out, and getting others to do the same thing.” Grab a friend or two and make a commitment to start showing up in your district.

Libraries for the People, EveryLibrary Want to Help You Get Involved With Your Library

How can you take action against book bans and in support of public libraries? Check out new tools from For the People and Every Library.

bookriot.com

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@FLFreedomRead

11 months

A government body declared protected speech written for all as not “age appropriate” for K-5 self-selection in a public school library. And the basis for the investigation was full of inaccuracies and mischaracterizations.

Florida School Restricts Access to Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem

A grade school in Miami-Dade County said “The Hill We Climb,” which Ms. Gorman read at President Biden’s inauguration in 2021, was “better suited” for older students after a parent complained about...

www.nytimes.com

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

We have our priorities all wrong here. Citizens drinking from a “Don’t Tread on Me” cup while asking the School Board to remove books they don’t like from the library (and getting it).

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

The local Media Specialist and Principal acted without any guidance, interpreting a vague law with punitive action. This is the chilling effect at work. Strong leadership and guidance is needed to fix this, and all our educators get from the FLDOE is scapegoating.

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@FLFreedomRead

5 months

Toni Morrison’s books have been permanently removed in Clay, Orange, Volusia, Okaloosa, Indian River, Jackson, Hamilton, Martin, & Collier due to HB 1069. Removals pending review & parent permission required for use in AP classes in many other districts.

Gavin Newsom

@GavinNewsom

5 months

Florida leads the nation in book bans. Ron is on a banning binge and a cultural purge. Freedom of speech means nothing to him. Florida isn't a state of freedom. It's a state of fear.

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

The FLDOE has continuously played these removals off as local overreactions, and downplayed their role having created rules that result in a loss of certification if found in violation of HB7 & HB1557 (while never clarifying if these laws apply to library books). We blame them.

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

DeSantis runs a tight ship (of fear) and delivers…for his donors. Welcome to the “free” state of Florida, everyone.

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Today in FL: a Media Specialist was directed to lock her library to prevent students from entering. Apparently, the banned books display (not banned in the district, but historically) was a threat to students. Once removal was verified, the doors were unlocked for book club.

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@FLFreedomRead

3 months

“I am not going to lay these books in these little babies’ hands. I’m not stopping. These books are coming off the shelves.” - BM Rodriguez The book was available in HS. How are our teens “babies” & also able to work til close on a school night?

Hernando School Board removes two books amid heated debate

Two of the three books the Hernando County School Board considered at a meeting on Feb. 7 won’t be available in school libraries anymore, the panel decided after a heated

www.suncoastnews.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

One R rep repeated a regular talking point: if parents knew what was on the shelf, they would want this government oversight. Parents know enough to not be concerned over books on a shelf. We would like government oversight of guns, but they aren’t pushing for that.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

Overnight Marion County Public Schools added a new book under “quarantine” (temporary ban): NOT QUITE NARWAL by Jessie Sima. It’s the 56th book awaiting review, and the 63rd to go on the list. This is not a hoax.

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@FLFreedomRead

1 year

The FLDOE said they will not recognize April as School Library Month, but that won’t stop our local districts & organizations like ours from proclaiming how valuable school libraries are to our communities. Thank you to all the school media specialists around FL for all you do!

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Earlier this year we went viral after sharing this picture of a cart. All of the titles were removed from a single high school in one day because bad policy removes the books while they await review. One man is responsible for all of this censorship….

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Happy to report that the RUBY BRIDGES film by @EuzhanPalcy was unanimously voted back by the @my_pcs school level committee today! The objector did not attend the meeting, and no one spoke in favor of its removal.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

People like to say it's not banning because you can get it in the public library/bookstore. But it is censorship, because it's about control of access to knowledge. The whole point is to make sure that some people don’t have unfettered access to that info.

Gov. Ron DeSantis downplayed the effect of a new law he signed that sets procedures for school...

Gov. Ron DeSantis has fought back against allegations that Florida is banning books, calling it a "hoax." "There's not b

www.politifact.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“The parents, all parents, see this, and they want this.“ ⁦ @SidDinerstein ⁩ Hi Sid, we’re public school parents in FL & we absolutely don’t want this assault on our schools, educators, & our children’s education. Take your politics out of public Ed.

As Ron DeSantis remakes education, many look to the long-term impact it’ll have on Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ multifaceted reshaping of education in Florida is accelerating, with implications that could last for generations.

www.detroitnews.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

The Commissioner of Education is defending limiting a primary, historical document (that was written for all ages to enjoy) to upper grades based off the (inaccurate) objection of ONE parent.

Top education official defends a Florida school's decision to restrict Amanda Gorman's poem

Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz says local officials acted properly when they decided to restrict elementary students at a public school in Miami-Dade County from reading the poem...

www.wusf.org

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

9 months

“An unaccredited conservative non-profit organization known for its anti-immigration theories and downplaying of systemic racism has been approved to provide classroom materials to Florida schools.”

Florida approves conservative PragerU lessons for schools

A roundup of Florida education news from around the state

www.tampabay.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

The proposed “Fight Book Bans Act” by @RepMaxwellFrost would give school districts up to $100,000 to oppose challenges to educational and library materials.

Florida Democrat Maxwell Frost Pitches Bill to Fight DeSantis Book Bans (Exclusive)

Frost's proposed 'Fight Book Bans Act' would give school districts up to $100,000 to oppose book challenges

themessenger.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

4 months

Wetherell asked why the district didn’t allow for a “marketplace of ideas” in school libraries. When the state argued students can be impressionable, the judge interjected “Isn’t that the parent’s job…Why is 1 parent able to control what everyone reads?”

A 'major win' for PEN America, publishers, and parents in book ban lawsuit

A lawsuit challenging the Escambia County School District’s removal of books from school libraries will move forward toward a jury trial, in a closely watched case that could have implications for...

www.wuwf.org

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

7 months

“I don’t know how we protect staff here without banning every single book that has any type of coming of age story line.” This is why “err on the side of caution” = censorship. Thank you, ⁦ @smbrugal ⁩ for this reporting. #ErrOnTheSideOfEducation

Email exchanges show attorneys’ confusion and frustration over Florida’s new education laws

“I don’t know how we protect staff here without banning every single book that has any type of coming of age story line,” one school board attorney wrote in an email

www.miamiherald.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Please read this story prepared to be angered that someone with such bias toward others has been able to teach and get away with her behavior for 30 years. Thank you ⁦ @JuddLegum ⁩ for providing important context to the challenges in ⁦ @ecpsfl ⁩.

Florida English teacher pushing book bans is openly racist and homophobic, students allege

Vicki Baggett, an English teacher at Northview High School in Florida, is pushing for the Escambia County School District to remove nearly 150 books from school libraries. In an interview last month,...

popular.info

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

“Spare us all the claptrap about how these books aren’t really “banned,” since parents can still go to the bookstore. That’s like ending school sports programs & asking why people are upset since they can still pay for their kids to join private leagues.”

Scott Maxwell: Oppose book-banning? Consider giving books as holiday gifts in Florida

Maxwell: With book-banning rampant in Florida, books can make good holiday gifts

www.orlandosentinel.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

“Reading a book with a gay character will not make you gay any more than reading a book about Einstein will make you a genius,” said one speaker.

Why a Charlotte County group stands against banning books

On Tuesday, the group, All Rainbow and Allied Youth (ARAY) showed up to a Charlotte County school board meeting to stand against banning books.

www.fox4now.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

9 months

Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Hillsborough, Duval, Pinellas, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, Brevard…. The list of districts NOT offering AP Psychology continues to grow. We absolutely blame the lack of leadership at the FLDOE for this harm to our students!

‘Completely terrible’: Confusion has Florida schools dropping AP psychology

Central Florida districts move students out of AP psychology as “confusion” about the course continues days before new school year starts

www.orlandosentinel.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

The book banner calls out two pages where a character references his two dads. For her, this book has an “agenda” and it is a “violation of parental rights, introduction of alternate lifestyles and characters.”

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“It turned out that the teenagers in the room were the real leaders, not embarrassed to stand up for the right thing. If only the school district would learn courage from their display.” Truth. It’s THEIR education, and they’re defending it.

On book bans, Pinellas school leaders need a bravery lesson from students

Teenagers who argued for “The Bluest Eye” are showing more spine than the district.

www.tampabay.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

7 months

We are beyond “culture war” when the Attorney General of a state is arguing in court that the government has complete control over all speech in the school house and can censor whatever it wants based on viewpoint. Don’t downplay what is happening here.

School culture wars push students to form banned book clubs, anti-censorship groups

Students start banned book clubs, anti-censorship groups amid book banning efforts

abcnews.go.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

The Bible and other religious texts have been challenged (and immediately rejected) in Escambia & Pinellas. Broward & Brevard have both acknowledged challenge forms have been turned in, but have not scheduled a review. And now Palm Beach…

Rabbi wants Bible removed from Palm Beach County schools to make a point

The Bible is being challenged in school libraries in Palm Beach County. Rabbi Barry Silver said he doesn't like book banning and censorship, and "we're going to challenge it every step of the way."

www.wptv.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“We’re going to teach you how to tie a tourniquet in case of an active shooter, but they can’t know that men and women may not be the only option for a marriage license?”

Opinion | If You Care About Book Bans, You Should Be Following This Lawsuit

A constitutional challenge to Florida’s book-restricting frenzy.

www.nytimes.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

10 months

And just like that, 20 additional titles have been added to the 23/24 list in @oneclayschools . One man has filed over 700 challenges in this district of 35K+ students. Of those students, only 3 - yes, 3 - had parental restrictions in the library.

Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

10 months

Below is a screenshot of the 23/24 SY Objection Database for Clay County (typos are not ours). It’s a great example of how the book banners are not waiting until the first day of school to file their challenges. Stephen King & Dav Pilkey join the list.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Ron DeSantis collapsed into a racist/homophobic/transphobic tirade this morning when asked about why the state rejected the African American high school AP course. A few people might find this course useful @MPJInstitute @IamGMJohnson

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Do you know what made this story possible? Parents in Florida volunteering our time to research and track these attacks to our children’s education. We will not be gaslit. We are not just another narrative to disregard.

Publisher Deletes Race From Rosa Parks Story for Florida

A publisher, whose curriculum reaches 45,000 schools, went to extreme lengths to cater to Ron DeSantis' hellish vision of Florida.

www.rollingstone.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

6 months

@JenkinsBrevard This appears to be the FLDOE state list - the list they told us was NOT a statewide banned books list, so which is it? Also, highlighted a few books which feature stories about LGBTQ+ people, discrimination, art history, animals, and the Holocaust. Not explicit sexual conduct.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

2 months

And then the Governor tweeted “where DEI goes to die” in response to news of Floridians losing their jobs because he thinks we are threatened most by diversity, equity, & inclusion instead of the rise in insurance costs, teacher shortages, measles, and lack of affordable housing.

The Alligator

@TheAlligator

2 months

BREAKING: UF fired all staff in positions related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, effective immediately.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

5 months

Alachua officials are pushing back at a person demanding 2 books be banned from schools (All Boys Arent Blue & The Duff). The person is a resident of Gilchrist County and cannot prove they are a parent of a student in an Alachua school.

ACPS book ban complaint

ACPS push back against a person requesting the school board ban certain books.

www.wcjb.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

3 months

Last night @collierschools officially announced they would no longer require parent permission to access the library. Under this policy, 23% of students were being denied access due to parent inaction (failure to opt-in). 70 parents of 40,000+ students requested limited access.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

10 months

The African American studies department at UF made nine offers while trying to fill three positions. None accepted.

Are Florida laws chasing university faculty away? Some see a ‘brain drain.’

Tracking the reported exodus can be difficult, but evidence is starting to surface that it’s real.

www.tampabay.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

6 months

“Ignorance doesn’t protect innocence. So, we are not protecting our children’s innocence by restricting them. We are just making them uneducated,” Amy Perwien, a Collier Schools parent, said.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

11 months

If you didn’t know, we have a lot of different parent groups in FL that all recognize the benefits of strong, supported public education. Our own ⁦ @JenCousinsFL ⁩ and ⁦ @damarisallen ⁩ of ⁦ @strongflschools ⁩ discuss what we’re up against.

Fighters for nonpartisan public education take on Moms for Liberty

By Noreen Marcus, FloridaBulldog.org - Fighters for nonpartisan public education taken on Gov. Ron DeSantis-backed Moms for Liberty.

www.floridabulldog.org

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

7 months

“What you are proposing in the name of education is not only censorship, but micro aggressions, micro assaults and discriminatory practices against the very students that we profess to educate with equity and equality,” Vitali said.

Nearly 80 book titles pulled from Charlotte County public school libraries for district review

Many attending the school board aired complaints about book removal aimed at adhering to a new state law.

www.wusf.org

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

Truly disappointing: removal of NINETEEN MINUTES by @jodipicoult because its content is "related to school shootings." Their first active shooter drill starts at age 5 and is every month throughout K-12. This is not a reality we can shield HS teens from.

St. Lucie County School Board decides not to remove 16 books

The St. Lucie County Board of Education voted 4-1 Tuesday night not to remove the 16 books and accepted the recommendation from the superintendent to limit which grade levels the books are available.

www.wptv.com

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

In case you were wondering, Nadine Farid Johnson of ⁦ @PENamerica ⁩ made it clear, removing access to books in the school library or curricula is government censorship.

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Florida Freedom to Read Project

@FLFreedomRead

1 year

“There are no documents responsive to your request. We, as a district, either reviewed or were aware of titles challenged in other districts and voluntarily removed those titles from our libraries without any requests or review.” Do not obey in advance. @TimothyDSnyder

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