If one Florida public school library book is "challenged" and the challenger appeals decision,
it costs the school district thousands of dollars.
On Feb. 7, the Sarasota County School Board voted to require parental consent for some students to check out an anti-racism book. The challenged book, "Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You" by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, discusses racism and systemic racism in the U.S. It's a YA adaptation of an adult book by Kendi.
In Sarasota a mom (for liberty?) challenged Stamped, which was available to any 6th through 12th grader, but wasn't used as instructional material. She wanted it removed from all district PUBLIC school libraries because CRT, woke, indoctrination, controversial, violates state standards established by the anointed FL legislators, blah, blah, vulnerable children.
There is a long-established procedure in place if a parent objects to a book or other school library material--her child's record is flagged and that particular child cannot check out that particular item. But--nope, not good enough--she appealed, so the entire middle school got involved for a special hearing on this book. The school didn't agree to remove the book from her child's school library. So she appealed again, and a district wide meeting was held. The whole process involved legal fees. If a lawyer takes six hours to read and review a book, research statutes and prepare a opinion, etc., cha-ching. Not to mention the education professionals and administrators and staff involved in the process.
At a public hearing on the challenge before the Sarasota School Board, the woman presented her case. And more than 20 citizens spoke in public comments objecting to her attempted book ban. In the end the board voted to make parents of children grades 6-8 opt in if their child tries to check the book out, but it can stay available without parental permission for check out to grades 9-12.
One book challenged. Thousands of dollars, (which could purchase how many books?) and staff hours spent, because this is DeSadist's Florida.
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/education/2023/02/07/sarasota-school-board-requires-parent-permission-for-anti-racism-book/69880152007/
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