Several books are being removed from the shelves of Florida school libraries this year and last year. The Florida Department of Education has been providing data to show the concerning tendency that has been affected different students across the Sunshine State.
Under the new legislation, approximately 386 books have been removed thus far. In addition, a total of 1,218 books received objections, which caused the removal of 30% of them. The report shows that, out of 70 school districts that provided data, 21 of them had books removes from their library shelves. Similarly, 9 stated they received objections and 40 received no objections for the materials.
Most of the books or reading material that has been deemed inappropriate by this parental law are targeted toward teenagers and pre-adolescents. In addition, a considerable amount of them pertained to LGBTQ+ related issues. For example, “And Tango Makes Three” by Justin Robertson, a book about two male penguins who help a hatchling egg together, was banned in Escambia County in Northwest Florida.
Moreover, other books and graphic novels with more political-oriented content, such as “Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation,” have also been removed by the Indian River school district. The graphic adaptation specifically was banned after parents from Moms for Liberty presented a complaint.
According to PEN America, about 400 “parental rights” law similar to the legislations used in Florida to ban books have also been utilized in the United States. In a similar light, the American Library Association has confirmed the highest number of book ban attempts in history in 2022.