TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Several renowned literary works, including 'The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison and 'Slaughterhouse-Five' by Kurt Vonnegut, have been removed from the shelves of certain Florida schools. This action follows recent changes to state law, allowing parents and residents to challenge school library books and mandating districts to submit an annual report to the state detailing restricted books.
Florida has been at the forefront of removing books from school libraries, as per analyses by the American Library Association and PEN America. The removal of these books has raised concerns about limiting students' access to diverse perspectives and lived experiences.
The list of banned books for the 2023-2024 school year includes works by literary icons like Maya Angelou and discussions of LGBTQ+ characters and sexuality. Conservative groups have criticized such content as 'pornographic.'
Accounts of the Holocaust, such as 'Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation,' and 'Sophie’s Choice,' have also been removed, along with a graphic novel adaptation of George Orwell's '1984.'
While the Florida Department of Education maintains that no books are being banned, they defend the removal of 'sexually explicit materials' from schools. The list of removed books varies across districts, with some reporting no restrictions and others pulling hundreds of titles.
Advocates for freedom of expression argue that the state's book removals are concerning and may not accurately reflect the desires of most Florida parents who want broad access to literature for their children.
Notable author Stephen King has also faced restrictions on his works in Florida schools, with some districts deeming his books inappropriate for students. Legal challenges have been brought against several school districts for limiting students' access to books, highlighting ongoing debates over censorship and parental rights.
In a recent settlement, the Nassau County school district agreed to return dozens of books to the shelves, including 'And Tango Makes Three,' a picture book based on the true story of two male penguins raising a chick together.
