Hillsborough Schools Book Controversy: Removals, Fear, and Free Speech Concerns
Hillsborough County Public Schools is at the heart of a book controversy. Some school board members worry that librarians might have removed books due to fear and chaos, while others think the district hasn't gone far enough in removing sexually explicit content. Free-expression advocates caution that even temporary removals can have lasting impacts.
The disagreement revolves around how books under 'review' are being tallied. PEN America reports that Hillsborough County, Florida, has the second-highest number of book removals in the U.S. and the most in Florida. However, the district contests this, asserting that only 59 titles were officially removed.
The surge in book reviews happened after Florida education leaders urged the district to tighten its vetting of materials with 'inappropriate content', especially those with sexual themes. Books can be removed for various reasons, including poor condition, outdated content, low circulation, or lack of alignment with Florida academic standards. The review process mainly took place during the summer when students were not in school.
Hillsborough County Public Schools is mandated by Florida law to annually review titles on the Florida Department of Education's lists. The district insists that only 59 titles were officially removed, despite PEN America's claim of over 600. The debate persists, with some board members pushing for more removals and others expressing concern about potential censorship.
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