UPDATE: Broward County school administrators have just announced the removal of 55 books from school libraries, following a directive from the Florida State Board of Education. This move is part of a broader statewide initiative to eliminate certain materials deemed inappropriate for minors.
The list includes well-known titles such as “Forever…” by Judy Blume, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson. This decision follows a memo issued on July 24, 2025, by Broward’s academic officer, Fabian Cone, who emphasized that failure to comply could lead to disciplinary action.
Critics, including Stephana Ferrell from the Florida Freedom to Read Project, argue that this action represents a troubling attempt by Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration to circumvent established laws that empower school districts to make their own decisions regarding library materials. “Right now, it seems no one with any power is willing to hold them accountable for these infringements,” Ferrell stated.
This crackdown on books is not isolated to Broward; other districts like Palm Beach and Orange County are also removing these titles. Florida led the nation with a staggering 4,561 instances of book bans during the last academic year, accounting for nearly 45% of all book bans in the U.S., according to a report from PEN America.
The controversy centers around claims by some state officials that the books are “pornographic” or contain sexually explicit content. During a recent legislative session, state representatives expressed shock over the availability of these materials in school libraries, labeling them as unsuitable for children.
“If I were to read an excerpt from one of these pages, the Florida Channel would probably cut my mic. It’s just that bad,”
stated State Rep. Dana Trabulsy.
The directive from the State Board of Education is seen by many as a significant shift in how educational content is reviewed and approved in Florida. The June 4 meeting of the Board highlighted concerns over the appropriateness of these books, leading to heightened scrutiny of school library selections.
Schools in Broward are now tasked with identifying and removing these books before the start of the 2025–2026 school year. The district is currently compiling information on which titles are present in local schools, with a deadline for reporting set for August 5.
Despite requests for a formal directive from the state, officials have not provided any written confirmation regarding the specific removal order. Instead, they referenced discussions from the June Board meeting where members criticized school districts for including these books in their collections.
The backlash against this decision has been swift. Education advocates and First Amendment supporters argue that this approach undermines the established processes for reviewing challenged materials. “It’s kind of the wild west now,” noted Sophia Noble Brown from PEN America, emphasizing the chaotic nature of recent developments.
As the situation continues to unfold, educators and parents are left grappling with the implications of these removals. The ongoing debate raises questions about censorship, educational freedom, and the role of state authorities in determining suitable reading materials for students.
With the removal of these books, Broward County finds itself at the center of a heated national conversation about education, censorship, and the rights of students and parents. As reports confirm the ongoing developments, the impact of these decisions will be closely monitored by activists, educators, and parents alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
