Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 13h…TX was one of the 20 states where their Attorneys General co-signed this amicus brief authored by Arkansas’ Attorney General in support of Florida’s “libraries are government speech” argument defending FL’s book ban law. 081
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 13hNote: It’s absolutely not about giving public school parents more control over what’s in their library. This is a narrative to sell a bill. There is evidence this is not true. Please see this post. TX was one of the states : bsky.app/profile/flfr... 14223
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 15hToday’s book is ANNE FRANK’S DIARY: THE GRAPHIC ADAPTATION. The graphic adaptation brings Anne's experiences hiding from the Nazis during the Holocaust to a new generation of readers. The book has faced challenges over sexual content & its visual depictions of passages from Anne’s diary. 153
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 18hWhat can Frederick Douglass, 1984, Fahrenheit 451, and The Handmaid’s Tale teach us about censorship? Our latest article explores how writers have long warned us about efforts to control information, restrict ideas, and silence voices. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/they-told-...freedomtoreadproject.substack.comThey Told Us What Censorship Looks Like. We Should Listen.There is a reason dystopian novels so often begin with control over information. 02312
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 19hAll of this has always been about taking back power from a free people to decide what its current community standards are, and allowing politicians to decide what ideas, expression, and people are appropriate in our public spaces. You cannot pay attention one week out of the year. 071
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 19h“Parental rights” laws aren’t actually about parents having the authority to decide… “Allowing parents to raise an objection regarding material in a public-school library…does not change the fact that, at the end of the day, it is the government making the ultimate curation decision.” 142
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 19h“The First Amendment's focus on religion was intentional: actions motivated by non-religious beliefs (be they philosophical, political, ideological, or social) do not receive the same protection.” This is why laws that prohibit descriptions of sexual conduct in the library don’t apply to the Bible. 151
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 19hThese arguments have appeared in white papers and legal briefs for all to see. “Natural rights…(1) give us the liberty to pursue what reason tells us is good, right, and just and (2) provide us with protection against those who want to force us to do what is evil, wrong, and unjust.” 162
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 19hThis is what it is all about for many of the book banners—the ones that still fight to remove books long after universal vouchers are passed and they can take public money to educate their kids how they see fit. “Parental rights” are only meant to apply to those they deem morally fit to have them. 22111
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 07/10/2026“Parents decide what their own children read, not what all children can access,” DCPS parent, Mandy Rubin. The debate comes as FL school districts continue reviewing library materials under state laws governing age appropriateness & prohibited content. www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news...firstcoastnews.com 063
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Perfect for banned books week! 063
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 07/10/2026This week, we worked with @penamerica.bsky.social to send an open letter to Commissioner Mack and the superintendents of our public schools. The letter calls for transparency, a thorough review process, and outlines our concerns with Commissioner Mack’s 9/23 memo- www.fldoe.org/file/20966/c... 063
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectAmerican Library Association @amlibraryassoc.bsky.social · 06/10/2026This year’s #BannedBooksWeek coincides with ALA’s official 150th anniversary. To mark the occasion, ALA has released a list of the 150 most challenged books documented from 1990, when ALA's Office for Intellectual Freedom began tracking book challenges, through 2025. ala150.org/150books 33405268
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 07/10/2026Duval Board votes tonight: 5-2 to remove 1984: The Graphic Novel 7-0 to remove: Misery (Stephen King) Handle With Care (Jodi Picoult) The Tenth Circle (Jodi Picoult) duvalcosb.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3421/f...duvalcosb.portal.civicclerk.comPublic Portal • CivicClerkCivicClerk events and agendas for citizens 175
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectWe Need Diverse Books @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social · 05/10/2026It’s #BannedBooksWeek, which means it’s the perfect time to dispel common myths and misconceptions about the prevalence and impacts of book bans across the United States. Here are five common myths about book banning that everyone should know the truth about 🧵 27382
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Projectkelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 06/10/2026This podcast has been a real delight to put together, and today's episode was so full of joy and hope–I cannot tell you how cool it was to talk to Marley as a (young) adult! 1217
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Thank you for the correction. There are a lot of books that have come under challenge and have been removed in some school districts despite very few copies in the public libraries. Glad to hear you found your needed copies! 000
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Censorship in our public schools is only the beginning. Thank you for reading banned books as a club and discussing these issues! 000
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 06/10/2026The state is also arguing in court that any publicly funded library is full of the government’s speech - not speech by and for the people. This means they are arguing that Americans do not have a First Amendment right to receive ideas free from government censorship in school and public libraries. 100
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Yup! At the same time that book banners scream “you can just get it at the public library” the state is working to pass amendment 3 which will starve local public libraries of the funding they need to shelve copies of these books and staff their libraries appropriately. 200
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 06/10/2026TODAY’S ACTION: Thank a librarian! Librarians do so much more than put books on shelves. Take a few minutes today to email, message, or stop by and thank a school or public librarian for the work they do. A little support can go a long way. 094
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 06/10/2026Banned Books Week continues! Today’s featured book is ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE by George M. Johnson, a memoir about growing up Black and queer and finding your identity. The book has been frequently challenged for its discussions of sexuality, sexual experiences, and LGBTQ+ identity. 13219
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectRyan Estrada @ryanestrada.com · 06/10/2026It happens every #BannedBooksWeek. No, you don't wish your book were banned. 210132
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Banned Books Week is here! Every day this week, we’ll spotlight a banned or challenged book AND share a simple action you can take to help protect the freedom to read. 12015
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectPEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 05/10/2026New state censorship laws accounted for much of the increase, coupled with the use of artificial intelligence to remove books, and improved grassroots reporting by @txfreedomread.bsky.social and @flfreedomread.bsky.social. #BannedBooks #BannedBooksWeek 12517
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 05/10/2026TX and FL have a few things in common: bad legislation, threatening state leadership, and volunteer, public school parent-led organizations combing through public records to try to document as much as we can so voters know the truth. Vote for the freedom to read and learn in November. 042
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectMartha Hickson @sassylibrarian.bsky.social · 05/10/2026If you enjoyed our little ditty, be sure to check out the list against which Henry wants FL schools to “audit” their classroom & school libraries. These are the nearly 1,300 unique titles challenged in FL during the last 4 school years. Absolutely crazy 🤪 tinyurl.com/FLUniqueTitlestinyurl.comFL Unique Titles Challenged 2022-2026 0106
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 05/10/2026“He didn’t change the law,” Gallo told VoxPopuli in a phone interview, in reference to Mack’s memo. “He set forth expectations, but the law is still the law in place.” Orange County Public Schools already has a “robust policy” in place… www.wintergardenvox.com/articles/inc...wintergardenvox.comIncoming Orange County school board chair says new directive to remove books ahead of complaints will not alter OCPS practice | Vox Populi - Winter Garden, FLNewly elected chair Angie Gallo says OCPS has a “robust policy” in place and is in compliance with state law. 022
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectMartha Hickson @sassylibrarian.bsky.social · 05/10/2026Doug and I kicked off #BannedBooksWeek by recording a new song, dedicated to Florida Freedom to Read Project, role models for resistance and persistence. This is for you, @flfreedomread.bsky.social, with admiration, respect, and love 🫡 🙌 😘 32613
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 05/10/2026What a way to kick off Banned Books Week! Most of our schools won’t recognize this week down here, but we will be spending it sifting through PRRs and tracking the impacts of this letter. Thanks for giving us something to sing while we work! You’re the best! 040
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 04/10/2026Are you registered to vote in November’s election? Have you checked your status? Tomorrow is the deadline. Make sure you’re registered and make your plan to vote (for the freedom to read). www.clickorlando.com/election-202...clickorlando.comFlorida voter registration deadline is Monday. How to make sure you can vote in the midterm electionOct. 5 is the deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 General Election in Florida. Now is a good time to check your voter registration and make sure you are eligible to vote in Florida. 043
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 02/10/2026“Please give particular consideration to the recommended 90-day plan beginning on page five of the memo. While voluntary, it is a practical sequence I except (sic) districts to execute.” Expecting something to happen that you also say is voluntary in the same sentence is a choice. 010
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Projectkelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 02/10/2026How and why to support independent media–something more important than ever right now. That, plus this week's book censorship news: bookriot.com/how-and-why-...bookriot.comHow and Why to Support Independent Media: Book Censorship News, October 2, 2026Maintaining a robust media landscape requires understanding how and why to support independent media. 0169
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectEducation Week @edweek.org · 02/10/2026Federal Education Tax Credit Rules Are Finally Here. What We Know So Far: The Treasury Department unveiled regulations governing a massive infusion of education funding nationwide.edweek.orgFederal Education Tax Credit Rules Are Finally Here. What We Know So FarThe Treasury Department unveiled regulations governing a massive infusion of education funding nationwide. 001
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 02/10/2026“Experience running a school wasn’t needed. No one from any of the states asked us about our backgrounds or qualifications, though West Virginia did ask for proof of a high school diploma. No one questioned what we plan to teach or how we would measure whether students are learning.”propublica.orgAlmost Anyone Can Start a Private School. We Put This to the Test.Our reporting has shown how easily people — some with questionable backgrounds — have founded their own private schools in barns, strip malls and other places. That led us to an experiment: If the hur... 153
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 02/10/2026If you can’t make one of these “listening sessions,” you can also go through each standard and submit your comments online using the state’s standards review site. www.wusf.org/education/20...wusf.orgEvolution and climate change are missing from Florida's proposed K-12 science standardsThe Florida Department of Education held its first listening session at Armwood High School. Some teachers brought up their concerns about missing topics, such as evolution. 21419
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Projectkelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 01/10/2026So many great voices and perspectives here. Love seeing my pal, neighbor, and fellow anti-censorship champion Holly, too. 1248
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Who pays the price when the state takes book decisions away from local communities? Florida’s public-school students and families. Our latest article looks at whose voices are being elevated, what parents actually choose & why local control matters. freedomtoreadproject.substack.com/p/who-pays-t...freedomtoreadproject.substack.comWho Pays the Price When the State Takes Book Decisions Away from Local Communities?Last week, Florida Commissioner of Education Henry Mack sent a seven-page memorandum to every school district superintendent and charter school leader in the state. 0137
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 01/10/2026“Young children often don’t quite realize that they can choose any book they want until it has been scanned and handed back to them. Then, Husby says, ‘Their smiles are like pure sunshine.’ Some hold the book up to show classmates and teachers.” www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/Teachi...schoollibraryjournal.comTeaching About the Freedom To Read Starts EarlyYoung children may not understand censorship or the First Amendment, but librarians say they already understand the basic tenets of intellectual freedom: choice, fairness, curiosity—and that different... 163
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 01/10/2026The media was quick to jump on the “parental rights” narrative, but largely ignored all the public school parents accurately warning, “Wolf!” Where was this article in 2022? apple.news/AlV1XcZNvQMi...apple.newsHow the Culture War Put Public Schools at Risk — The AtlanticAllegations about “woke nonsense” imperiled a crucial source of Americans’ common identity. 091
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 01/10/2026“In 2022, the Heritage Foundation urged the voucher movement “to embrace the culture war” as a way of promoting school choice.” Tell us something we didn’t already know. 182
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 30/09/2026ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY has been introducing young readers to the Logan family & the realities of racism in 1930s Mississippi for nearly 50 years. Through Cassie’s eyes, readers encounter injustice, courage, family, dignity, and the determination to stand up for yourself & the people you love. 1157
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 29/09/2026"Instead of allowing concerns about particular books to move through established local processes, the state is using funding threats to silence local stakeholders and impose its own preferences from Tallahassee." www.tallahassee.com/story/news/s...tallahassee.comFree speech groups warn new education orders will expand book bansA national free speech group is warning that a new directive from Florida's education chief would prompt more book bans. 085
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Banned Books Week is coming! Oct. 4–10, we’re celebrating the freedom to read and shining a light on censorship in schools and libraries. Follow along for challenged books, resources, and ways to turn awareness into action. #BannedBooksWeek #FreedomToRead #ReadFreely 07145
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectPEN America @penamerica.bsky.social · 29/09/2026PEN America and @flfreedomread.bsky.social are warning that a new Department of Education directive could turn Florida’s already troubling book censorship into a “dragnet” expanding book removals from school libraries and classrooms. pen.org/press-releas...pen.orgNew Florida State Education Directive Threatens to Expand Book Removals in Schools(MIAMI) — PEN America and the Florida Freedom to Read Project expressed alarm today over a new Department of Education directive that could turn the state’s already troubling book censorship into a “d... 01712
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Projectkelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 29/09/2026Utah added SEVEN more books to its state-mandated book ban list. Six of those titles are by women. 44 are now banned. This comes the week after a judge permitted a lawsuit brought against their book banning law to proceed. It's the busiest banning year for the state. bookriot.com/utah-bans-44...bookriot.comUtah Bans 7 More Books From All Public Schools; 44 Titles Now Banned StatewideLast week, a judge approved a lawsuit against Utah's state-sanctioned book bans. This week, the state banned seven more books. 02323
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read ProjectFreedom to Read Project @freedomreadproject.bsky.social · 28/09/2026We were thrilled to hear Judy Blume speak at our event last week! Her reminder: Keep speaking out because someone is always hearing it for the first time. The event is over, but the work isn’t. Take action at nobookbans.org. Keep showing up. Keep speaking up. #FreedomToRead #NoBookBans 04319
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Projectkelly jensen @heykellyjensen.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Which means no need for accountability to the public. www.sltrib.com/news/educati...sltrib.comFor this Utah school board, book ban decisions are now considered ‘routine’ business — no public discussion necessaryThe Davis School District sees so many book removals, state officials determined its board doesn’t need to publicly discuss appeal decisions. 11910
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Pinellas is the second district to publicly acknowledge that it is acting on the Commissioner’s memo despite 99.6% of Pinellas students having ZERO parental restrictions on their access last year and the last citizen objection was about a year ago to a picture book. www.tampabay.com/news/educati...tampabay.comPinellas removes books named in state memo. Except ‘The Bluest Eye.’A roundup of Florida education news from around the state 074
Florida Freedom to Read Project @flfreedomread.bsky.social · 27/09/2026In fact, these districts have modified their objection procedures to limit actual public school parent involvement, and none of them consider the books in their entirety. These changes happened after the fuller committee review process resulted in too many decisions to retain the books. 053