You Won't Believe Why DeSantis is Banning Books in Florida

Photo byPhoto by: Gage Skidmore

As Governor Ron DeSantis shoots for the White House bid, he's putting his censorship skills in the spotlight.

Florida is currently suffering a sharp surge in the prohibition of knowledge. It's becoming a movement that's not only ravaging Florida schools but also an expanding number of other conservative states.

The idea seems to be a long-term investment in shaping young minds to become future Republican future voters who would carry strong feelings against social progress, inclusion, and history.

Florida was the first red state to pass legislation allowing parents to more easily challenge books in school libraries that they believe to be pornographic, discuss racial issues, or otherwise be inappropriate.

The Florida laws also apply to novels about LGBTQ+ people. Certain books with racial themes have also been removed from library shelves. Books talking about Florida's history are also under the government's censoring eye.

Record breaking year for censorship

Although there have been sporadic attempts over the years to restrict books or censor educational materials, DeSantis is credited by detractors and supporters with sparking a new wave of legislation to control the literature available in classrooms — extending even to some public libraries. In the 20 years that the ALA has been keeping track of such initiatives, last year saw the most attempts to restrict or outright ban books across the United States.

"What Ron DeSantis does that I think is effective is he uses all the levers of power to make long-term change happen," said Tiffany Justice, co-founder of the conservative parents' group Moms for Liberty in Florida.

DeSantis believes that literature is not genuinely "banned" in his state's educational institutions, calling the forced removal of some books as "curation choices consistent with state standards."

What do you think about the great Florida censorship?

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