Are Florida schools banning books? Or remove sexually explicit material?

Big story: In a list quietly released in recent days, Florida schools reported more than 700 books being removed from their shelves in 2023-24; this doubled the total number drawn the previous year. While their numbers increased in some districts, there were none in others.

Clay County schools showed the way According to Jacksonville Today’s report, there were 287 removals.

What happens here depends on one’s perspective.

Critics of the effort say the state supports banning books and censoring ideas. They note that the calculation only reflects books objected to by the public and does not reflect books that school officials decided to remove without any complaints or books that were temporarily moved or restricted. In other words, the total is even larger than reported.

A Florida Department of Education spokesman said no books were banned. Instead, schools take steps to ensure that sexually explicit materials are not accessible to children in school libraries, he added, adding that the materials may be available elsewhere.

Lawmakers have taken steps to reduce the number of formal objections a single person can make. They also expanded the definitions of what they considered age-appropriate material.

Lawsuits regarding the contents of school libraries continue. Read more Associated Press And FloridaPhoenix.

hot topics

‘I woke up. A conservative comedian and commentator will give a lecture on “wokeness” at New College of Florida and discuss the topic this way: “some kind of cult.” • Santa Fe College examines nearly 100 new general education courses To meet the state’s diversity, equity and inclusion inclusion requirement, according to a report by the Independent Florida Alligator. Collaborates with the Florida College System.

What’s in a name? Pinellas County school board names new leadership center after former superintendent Mike Grego.The person who made leadership training the center of his management.

Mobilize the group. Tarpon High School marching band does its final practices before the ceremony Bands of America heads to Grand National ChampionshipAccording to Bay News 9.

Stop threatening. At a Broward County school additional security for the rest of the week after receiving threats of violence, WPLG reported.

It’s a salary race. Palm Beach County school board refuses to give bigger raises to police force That’s more than what’s provided to teachers and other employees, the Palm Beach Post reports. • Bay County school board approves a project Teacher salaries start at $50,000 According to WJHG’s report, all current teachers will receive a $1,750 raise.

The last minister of education? a few Florida names emerge Speculation continues as to who could lead Donald Trump’s mission to end the Department of Education, The Hill reports.

It’s growing strong. Retired St. Johns County Superintendent Tim Forson says his replacement Keep growth management in mind As district registrations increase, WJAX reports.

About this scholarship… Outgoing Orange County elections supervisor Glen Gilzean defended his decision He decided to use $2.1 million from his budget to create student scholarships in his name, following criticism from other officials that the money was used improperly, Florida Politics reported.

Don’t miss any story. Here is the link yesterday’s summary.

Before you go… Did you make it to Flugtag in Tampa?