Florida's Book Bans: A Disturbing Trend in Education

Over 300 books, including works by Zora Neale Hurston, Ernest Hemingway, Toni Morrison, Leo Tolstoy, and Flannery O'Connor, have been banned or restricted in Florida schools, with Collier County and Seminole County leading the book-banning movement. The Florida Department of Education has threatened school librarians with penalties, including criminal prosecution, for allowing allegedly offensive books on the shelves, but often refuses to identify which books are considered offensive. The book-banning laws passed by GOP legislators and Governor Ron DeSantis aim to create chaos and sow discord, particularly regarding LGBTQ topics. Critics argue that this censorship is an attack on freedom of speech and expression, and suggest buying banned books as gifts this holiday season to support literature, education, and enlightenment.