Florida
Florida with 3rd largest number of school book ban incidents
Florida – According to a report from an advocacy group for writing professionals, there have been more than 200 instances of public school districts in Florida banning books since last July, the third-highest number of incidents of any state in the U.S.
According to PEN America, which is made up of novelists, journalists, editors, poets, essayists, playwrights, and publishers, Florida had 204 instances of book banning in seven school districts between July 2021 and March 2022. Only Texas and Pennsylvania had higher numbers.
The school districts were in Brevard, Clay, Flagler, Indian River, Orange, Pinellas, and Polk counties.
More books could be banned in Florida in the future now that Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bill that makes it easier for parents to challenge books and instructional materials they don’t approve of, PEN America warned.
It gives parents more involvement in their children’s education, according to supporters of the legislation.
In Orange County, home to Orlando, school leaders pulled books without following their own processes, the report said.
In nearby Polk County, 16 books were put in “quarantine” while officials decided whether to ban them permanently after a conservative national advocacy group, not a local parent, flagged them as problematic, the report said.
Books banned in Florida school districts, whether permanently or pending review, include Isabel Allende’s “The House of Spirits,” Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Iris Chang’s “The Rape of Nanking,” Jonathan Safran Foer’s “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” Khaled Hosseini’s “The Kite Runner,” Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and Toni Morrison’s “Beloved.”
-
Local News2 days ago
First place in the county robotics competition goes to Coral Glades JROTC
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Governing Board Chair of Imagine Broward receives charter educational award
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Coral Springs residents and Comcast square off over above-ground service boxes in neighborhood
-
Local News1 week ago
Six students and three staff members from Coral Springs and Parkland schools recognized for their character
-
Local News2 weeks ago
During Teacher Appreciation Week, Coral Springs businesses are offering discounts in honor of educators
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Due to fifteen violations, the Bawarchi Biryanis restaurant was ordered to close
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Parkland Fire Department of Coral Springs is hosting a free water safety event
-
Local News1 week ago
The Coral Springs 2024 Excellence Awards honor local businesses
Leave a Reply