Republican Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has responded to false claims made by Democrats and the mainstream media that educational books have been banned at Florida’s schools and that schools in his state have been banned from teaching topics like African American History.
DeSantis addressed what he called the “book ban hoax” as he displayed examples of the noneducational books that were removed from libraries and classrooms for containing pornographic and violent content.
“Exposing the ‘book ban’ hoax is important because it reveals that some are attempting to use our schools for indoctrination,” said DeSantis. “In Florida, pornographic and inappropriate materials that have been snuck into our classrooms and libraries to sexualize our students violate our state education standards. Florida is the education state and that means providing students with a quality education free from sexualization and harmful materials that are not age appropriate.”
According to a press release from DeSantis’ office, “Of the 175 books removed across the state, 164 (94%) were removed from media centers, and 153 (87%) were identified as pornographic, violent, or inappropriate for their grade level.”
The press release also listed a series of myths and facts about the topic.
“Myth: Florida schools have been directed to ‘empty libraries’ and ‘cover classroom books,’” the press release said. “Fact: School districts are required to report the number of books removed from schools based on legislation passed in 2022. Of the 23 districts that reported removing materials, the most removed were tied at 19 in Duval and St. Johns Counties — not even close to a whole classroom library.”
“Myth: Florida has banned the instruction of African American History, including the discussion of slavery and the aftermath of slavery,” the press release added. “Fact: Under Governor DeSantis, instruction on African American History has only expanded. The Governor has signed legislation that ensures that Florida’s students learn about the 1920 Ocoee Election Day Riots in addition to requiring instruction on slavery, the Civil War, and Jim Crow laws.”
The press release included several other myths and facts about the topic.
“Education is about the pursuit of truth, not woke indoctrination,” said Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. “Under Governor DeSantis, Florida is committed to rigorous academic content and high standards so that students learn how to think and receive the tools necessary to go forth and make great decisions.”