However,
55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn:
In an already tense climate. Meanwhile, families and associations for the defense of freedoms wonder: can be imposed on a state decision without taking into account the field, questions Miami Herald?
This decision follows a meeting between state education officials. Meanwhile, Van Ayres, the Superintendent of the Hillsborough County schools last June. In addition, At this meeting. Meanwhile, state officials said they had found several books deemed improper for public school libraries and clearly indicated that they wanted all state districts to remove these books.
A state directive. Furthermore, a local coup – 55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn
According to the authorities, the Florida Ministry of Education required the abolition of 55 works deemed ” inappropriate »Or« pornographic »Schools on a state scale, including in the Broward County. Furthermore, Local officials received the formal order to withdraw these titles – without the possibility of debate. Similarly, filter at the 55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn level of the school community.
« These are odious. Therefore, repugnant books that do not have their place in a school in Florida “Said Ryan Perry, President of the Florida Education Council. Furthermore, “” These people you trust to examine these documents mistreat your county’s children “Said Kelly Garcia. In addition, member of the Florida Education Council.
A controversial list. explicitly “adulterated” content – 55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn
Among the targeted books are largely recognized titles: This Book Is Gay de Juno Dawson, Forever by Judy Blume, Wicked par Gregory Maguire, A Clockwork Orange d’Anthony Burgess, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George Johnson, Sold by Patricia McCormick – A poignant story on human trafficking – and even A Stolen Lifede Jaycee Dugard.
These works tackle strong, sometimes painful, sometimes explicit themes. According to the authorities. certain passages contain detailed descriptions of sexual acts – ” Descriptions of male genitals, sexual acts and intercours– Deemed 55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn too explicit to be broadcast in schools.
To read – Justice asked to prohibit the marriage of a prince and a knight
Van Ayres assures, categorical, that these books will no longer exist in his county by the start of the school year. “” For the start of the school year 2025-2026. I want to be assured that there will be absolutely no inappropriate document in our libraries“He said.
The reaction of critical voices
Stephana Ferrell, director of Florida Freedom to Read Project don’t chew his words. For her, the state has exceeded its rights by imposing this censorship without going through the usual procedures. “”There is no possibility for parents to intervene … The state has decided for us“, She deplores. And to continue: “They claim to be able to withdraw these books based solely on the expert opinion. regardless of literary value. »
She recalls that. 55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn so far, it was up to local communities and school committees to decide, based on a complete examination of the work and its intention. From now on, this door is closed.
Silent censorship at the start of the school year
Thus, in the corridors of schools, certain rays cleared. A return withoutA Clockwork OrangesansThis Book Is Gaywithout a whole section of literary expressions – this is the landscape. drawn up by an expeditious directive.
To read – School: parents now allowed to exclude LGBTQ+ readings
But the debate does not go out. Who awakens universal questions: who decides accessible knowledge? What place for sex education, for history, for marginal stories? And above all, in a state where the majority imposes its vision, what become of dissident voices?
«Each district understood that these 55 pounds violate the law of the state. It does not matter that local standards prohibit 55 “heinous repugnant” pounds withdrawn these books. they are acceptable for certain levels and we think that they correspond to our criteriaAdds Stephana Ferrell in response to the recent state directive, in Local News.
And to conclude: “Parents have always had the opportunity to chat individually with their school librarians. say: “I wish to set these limits for my children, because they are those that we apply to the house”, and in case of doubt, they can impose them.Note that several legal proceedings are underway before the courts. relating to other cases of seizure of books in the state.
Photo credits: news, cc by its 2.0
By Clément Solym
Contact : [email protected]
Further reading: A joyful, varied and united book fair in Castelnou – Arnaud Banos, either, I no longer love the sea – Terez Bardaine: “Pointe aux Souls” – The young people of the North Basque Country reconnect with reading thanks to the Booktrailers – This Val d’Oise media library sells books at € 1.
