Here is a link to an article in Perspectives on History Magazine about the state of books in Florida Schools and what it is like to teach history and social studies in a state where books are suspect and subject to censorship by the state. I see this as having a significant impact on Florida’s children as they apply to colleges out of state, or Florida college grads as they try to advance their scholarship and careers with Florida degrees. What can Florida students at the secondary and tertiary level do to mitigate these consequences? How can they demonstrate to colleges and companies in other states that they actually read books even though the state won’t let them do so in school? [https://madsociologistblog.com/2024/01/24/perspectives-on-history-a-school-without-books/](https://madsociologistblog.com/2024/01/24/perspectives-on-history-a-school-without-books/)
by TheMadSociologist
1 Comment
This is so disheartening. As the daughter of a librarian (both public and school), my brother and I were encouraged to read pretty much everything. I certainly don’t remember this amount of brouhaha when I was in elementary/high school (70s – 80s). I’m in California, so that probably had a lot to do with it.
I can’t imagine what my mom’s reaction would be to what is going on now.
And your point about the future of these students with Florida degrees is valid. One would hope that they would seek out these books on their own, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath. So many kids are probably indoctrinated by parents or church to agree with the adults that these are ‘bad’. Do I think parents should have input into what their kids read? Of course. Do I think that same parent should make a decision about what someone else’s child should read? Nope.
I’d love to see some future research that follows Florida kids after graduation to see where they end up and why.
I was sad to read the author of that piece resigned after his library was confiscated.