Controversial Book Removals Spark Threats and Debate in Florida School Board

The Indian River County School Board in Florida unanimously voted to remove several dozen books from school shelves after concerned parents read graphic excerpts from the novels during a meeting. The decision was made in accordance with a rule signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in May, granting parents the right to read objectionable passages from school materials. The parents were cut off from speaking at the podium, and security escorted one parent away when he continued reading from the book "13 Reasons Why." The board's action was praised by some members who believed that explicit and obscene material should not be available in schools, while others expressed frustration with the conduct of the meeting attendees. The parental rights group Moms for Liberty plans to challenge more books listed on the district website.