Florida Freedom to Read Project
@flfreedomread.bsky.social
FL public school parents who believe in preserving access to information in public education and libraries. https://www.fftrp.org/florida_censorship_attempts
Pinned
Florida Freedom to Read Project | Official Merchandise | Bonfire
Florida Freedom to Read Project connects parent organizations across the state to defend every student's right to access information & ideas.
www.bonfire.com
We volunteer our time to research how state laws have impacted educational opportunities for our children. That research requires public records, and public records require money.
You can help support our work and get some anti-censorship apparel at the same time:
www.bonfire.com/store/florid...
You can help support our work and get some anti-censorship apparel at the same time:
www.bonfire.com/store/florid...
“Schrecker, the McCarthyism expert, said the standards present “a very narrow and repressive view of American history” that reinforces the status quo and obscures historical moments that sparked social and political change.”
apnews.com/article/flor...
apnews.com/article/flor...
What to know about how Florida will teach McCarthyism and the Cold War
Students in Florida’s public schools will soon be learning an interpretation of McCarthyism and the Cold War that is steeped in rhetoric of that era.
apnews.com
November 13, 2025 at 11:05 PM
“Schrecker, the McCarthyism expert, said the standards present “a very narrow and repressive view of American history” that reinforces the status quo and obscures historical moments that sparked social and political change.”
apnews.com/article/flor...
apnews.com/article/flor...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
What's going on in Florida re: communism and education is wild, they're really bringing back McCarthyism (with the added bonus of not being able to talk about McCarthyism)
Gift link because people should be able to read about this.
Watching it live was really difficult.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/13/f...
Watching it live was really difficult.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/13/f...
Florida OKs ‘evils of communism’ standards, signs Heritage Foundation pledge
Some criticized both documents, calling them propaganda and indoctrination, but state leaders said they would help teach patriotism and create better American citizens.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:46 PM
What's going on in Florida re: communism and education is wild, they're really bringing back McCarthyism (with the added bonus of not being able to talk about McCarthyism)
Gift link because people should be able to read about this.
Watching it live was really difficult.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/13/f...
Watching it live was really difficult.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/13/f...
Florida OKs ‘evils of communism’ standards, signs Heritage Foundation pledge
Some criticized both documents, calling them propaganda and indoctrination, but state leaders said they would help teach patriotism and create better American citizens.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Gift link because people should be able to read about this.
Watching it live was really difficult.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/13/f...
Watching it live was really difficult.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/13/f...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
NEW: Florida education leaders on Thursday approved a set of principles that would teach a conservative-backed vision of the United States.
Florida adopts Heritage Foundation’s ‘Phoenix Declaration’ for public schools
The declaration is a statement of principles described as fostering “a love of country,” teaching children to “seek the good, true and beautiful” and aiming for students to “achieve their full, God-gi...
www.miamiherald.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:42 PM
NEW: Florida education leaders on Thursday approved a set of principles that would teach a conservative-backed vision of the United States.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Florida has new academic standards for teaching the History of Communism. It also adopted the Heritage Foundation's position paper on the "guiding principles" for education.
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
Florida adopts new standards for teaching ‘evils of communism’
The State Board of Education also adopted a statement of priorities authored by the Heritage Foundation.
www.tampabay.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Florida has new academic standards for teaching the History of Communism. It also adopted the Heritage Foundation's position paper on the "guiding principles" for education.
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
This meeting was so hard to watch, and yet, very predictable. The Phoenix Declaration and updated Social Studies Standards were approved without much debate.
And while the appointed Chair brought up “tyranny of the majority” after berating an elected official, the irony was completely lost on him.
And while the appointed Chair brought up “tyranny of the majority” after berating an elected official, the irony was completely lost on him.
SBOE Meeting starting now. Full agenda: Phoenix Declaration, Communism History, and attacking the personal speech of an Alachua County School Board Member (to name a few items)
Thefloridachannel.org
Thefloridachannel.org
Home - The Florida Channel
The Florida Channel Programs
Thefloridachannel.org
November 13, 2025 at 6:50 PM
This meeting was so hard to watch, and yet, very predictable. The Phoenix Declaration and updated Social Studies Standards were approved without much debate.
And while the appointed Chair brought up “tyranny of the majority” after berating an elected official, the irony was completely lost on him.
And while the appointed Chair brought up “tyranny of the majority” after berating an elected official, the irony was completely lost on him.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
This holiday season, let’s make gift-giving meaningful and activist-friendly. Dive into this guide and discover how your holiday gifts can support librarians, students, local bookstores, and the freedom to read for everyone.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/incorporatin...
#FreedomToRead
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/incorporatin...
#FreedomToRead
Incorporating the Freedom to Read into Your Holiday Gift-Giving Plan
This Freedom to Read Project guide encourages using holiday giving to support intellectual freedom through diverse book gifts, donations to We Need Diverse Books, indie bookstores’ nonprofit wings, an...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
November 13, 2025 at 3:00 PM
This holiday season, let’s make gift-giving meaningful and activist-friendly. Dive into this guide and discover how your holiday gifts can support librarians, students, local bookstores, and the freedom to read for everyone.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/incorporatin...
#FreedomToRead
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/incorporatin...
#FreedomToRead
SBOE Meeting starting now. Full agenda: Phoenix Declaration, Communism History, and attacking the personal speech of an Alachua County School Board Member (to name a few items)
Thefloridachannel.org
Thefloridachannel.org
Home - The Florida Channel
The Florida Channel Programs
Thefloridachannel.org
November 13, 2025 at 2:06 PM
SBOE Meeting starting now. Full agenda: Phoenix Declaration, Communism History, and attacking the personal speech of an Alachua County School Board Member (to name a few items)
Thefloridachannel.org
Thefloridachannel.org
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
“When the same stories that are targeted ideologically also become the ones flagged algorithmically, the result is not neutrality. It is amplified harm.”
AI is now being used to “flag” school library books.
The new CLCD tool, Class-Shelf Plus v3, may speed up censorship under the guise of efficiency.
This development should alarm every librarian and educator. #TLSky #EduSkyAi #libraries #censorship open.substack.com/pub/aischool...
The new CLCD tool, Class-Shelf Plus v3, may speed up censorship under the guise of efficiency.
This development should alarm every librarian and educator. #TLSky #EduSkyAi #libraries #censorship open.substack.com/pub/aischool...
The Most Dangerous AI Tool for Libraries Yet
How Class-Shelf Plus v3 quietly turns censorship into an automated workflow and why every librarian should be alarmed.
open.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:19 PM
“When the same stories that are targeted ideologically also become the ones flagged algorithmically, the result is not neutrality. It is amplified harm.”
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? by Irene Latham & Charles Waters is a powerful book of poetry that opens the door for kids to explore race, identity, & friendship, bringing necessary conversations into classrooms & homes with honesty and heart. Let’s keep stories like this on shelves, in hands, & in hearts.
November 12, 2025 at 5:50 PM
CAN I TOUCH YOUR HAIR? by Irene Latham & Charles Waters is a powerful book of poetry that opens the door for kids to explore race, identity, & friendship, bringing necessary conversations into classrooms & homes with honesty and heart. Let’s keep stories like this on shelves, in hands, & in hearts.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Want to speak out against book censorship in your district? Emailing your school board is a powerful place to start! Here are some quick tips (below).
Your voice matters. Let them hear it.
#FreedomToRead #LetKidsRead #AntiCensorship
Your voice matters. Let them hear it.
#FreedomToRead #LetKidsRead #AntiCensorship
November 11, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Want to speak out against book censorship in your district? Emailing your school board is a powerful place to start! Here are some quick tips (below).
Your voice matters. Let them hear it.
#FreedomToRead #LetKidsRead #AntiCensorship
Your voice matters. Let them hear it.
#FreedomToRead #LetKidsRead #AntiCensorship
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
An exciting update! Mass Freedom To Read has been working overtime to get amendments filed that substantially strengthen this bill, and all the amendments have been filed! It's time to contact your MA senators to urge them to support the amendment: www.massfreedomtoread.org/news/cta-sup...
November 11, 2025 at 2:11 PM
An exciting update! Mass Freedom To Read has been working overtime to get amendments filed that substantially strengthen this bill, and all the amendments have been filed! It's time to contact your MA senators to urge them to support the amendment: www.massfreedomtoread.org/news/cta-sup...
Collier County Public Schools pulled over 350 titles in August after the state board insisted that any title that has appeared on the state’s annual removal lists should face additional scrutiny.
So far:
48 removed all grades
1 removed from MS
7 permission required
33 retained
So far:
48 removed all grades
1 removed from MS
7 permission required
33 retained
November 11, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Collier County Public Schools pulled over 350 titles in August after the state board insisted that any title that has appeared on the state’s annual removal lists should face additional scrutiny.
So far:
48 removed all grades
1 removed from MS
7 permission required
33 retained
So far:
48 removed all grades
1 removed from MS
7 permission required
33 retained
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Too often, censorship activists skip reading the full book (or its context) and instead spotlight specific dramatic excerpts at school board meetings to spark fear and outrage. But books are meant to be experienced as a whole, not reduced to a few cherry-picked pages.
#FreedomToRead
#FreedomToRead
November 10, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Too often, censorship activists skip reading the full book (or its context) and instead spotlight specific dramatic excerpts at school board meetings to spark fear and outrage. But books are meant to be experienced as a whole, not reduced to a few cherry-picked pages.
#FreedomToRead
#FreedomToRead
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
"A good fight begins with all of you." Read AABB member Sarah Weinman's address to the American Library Association "In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times."
In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times
Librarians are on the front lines of history and current events, when news and change arrive at a furious clip that only quickens every day. And without libraries, my work would simply not exist. I…
lithub.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:23 PM
"A good fight begins with all of you." Read AABB member Sarah Weinman's address to the American Library Association "In Praise of Librarians in Dangerous Times."
The Phoenix Declaration is on the agenda for the 11/13 SBOE meeting. Please consider an email to the Board.
Here’s what it says: www.fldoe.org/file/20885/6...
Here’s reporting on what it really is: accountabaloney.com/floridas-sta...
Here’s who to email: www.fldoe.org/policy/state...
Here’s what it says: www.fldoe.org/file/20885/6...
Here’s reporting on what it really is: accountabaloney.com/floridas-sta...
Here’s who to email: www.fldoe.org/policy/state...
November 10, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The Phoenix Declaration is on the agenda for the 11/13 SBOE meeting. Please consider an email to the Board.
Here’s what it says: www.fldoe.org/file/20885/6...
Here’s reporting on what it really is: accountabaloney.com/floridas-sta...
Here’s who to email: www.fldoe.org/policy/state...
Here’s what it says: www.fldoe.org/file/20885/6...
Here’s reporting on what it really is: accountabaloney.com/floridas-sta...
Here’s who to email: www.fldoe.org/policy/state...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
The People Want To Read: On Massive Budget Cuts Proposed in Chicago
If passed, Chicago Public Library will lose half their budget for acquiring new books and materials.
buttondown.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:06 PM
The People Want to Read: on the massive budget cuts proposed for Chicago Public Library. What's at stake and what you can do, whether or not you live in Chicago.
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
These are *easy* and *vital* things. Let's save CPL's budget.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Historically, authoritarian regimes have always restricted free inquiry in higher education. We urge readers to join and support efforts to maintain Florida’s independent college and university system before they are reduced to tools of an authoritarian state.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/09/c...
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/09/c...
Commentary: Florida’s education commissioner just fired free thought
Anastasios Kamoutsas’ removal of a sociology professor from a statewide committee is only the latest government attempt to limit the scope of education.
www.orlandosentinel.com
November 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Historically, authoritarian regimes have always restricted free inquiry in higher education. We urge readers to join and support efforts to maintain Florida’s independent college and university system before they are reduced to tools of an authoritarian state.
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/09/c...
www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/09/c...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
This point seems important: "Students should not carry the responsibility of overturning book bans. This isn’t a mess they’ve created; it’s one created by adults who fail to recognize children & teenagers are autonomous individuals with their own rights."
Last month, it was teenagers who got 8 books banned in a statewide Georgia reading bowl back into the competition. These literary heroes deserve recognition–get to meet three of these rad book-loving intellectual freedom champions.
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
bookriot.com/teens-who-ov...
Meet the High Schoolers Who Overturned a State Reading Bowl Book Ban: Book Censorship News, November 7, 2025
A Georgia statewide reading bowl banned eight books. These students led the charge to get the bans overturned and succeeded.
bookriot.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:52 PM
This point seems important: "Students should not carry the responsibility of overturning book bans. This isn’t a mess they’ve created; it’s one created by adults who fail to recognize children & teenagers are autonomous individuals with their own rights."
Historian Tad Stoermer has described it as “a sophisticated rebranding of culture-war politics — using lofty rhetoric about virtue and excellence to conceal an authoritarian, nationalist agenda aimed at censoring diverse histories and undermining public education.”
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Florida’s State Board Poised to Ratify Heritage’s “Phoenix Declaration”
A blueprint for ideological control — and the next phase in dismantling public education.
substack.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Historian Tad Stoermer has described it as “a sophisticated rebranding of culture-war politics — using lofty rhetoric about virtue and excellence to conceal an authoritarian, nationalist agenda aimed at censoring diverse histories and undermining public education.”
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Great insights (snarky, too) from @maggietokudahall.bsky.social here.
AI Is Supercharging the War on Libraries, Education, and Human Knowledge
"Fascism and AI, whether or not they have the same goals, they sure are working to accelerate one another."
www.404media.co
November 7, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Great insights (snarky, too) from @maggietokudahall.bsky.social here.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
The Rutherford County Library System in Tennessee is temporarily closing two branches in order to remove books from them.
Why? Because the Secretary of State told them to do it, citing laws and Executive Orders that undermine the Constititon.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Why? Because the Secretary of State told them to do it, citing laws and Executive Orders that undermine the Constititon.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Rutherford County Library System (TN) Temporarily Shuts Down to Ban Books
Rutherford County Library System announced on social media a surprise shutdown of two libraries. Why? "Reviewing inventory."
bookriot.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:58 PM
The Rutherford County Library System in Tennessee is temporarily closing two branches in order to remove books from them.
Why? Because the Secretary of State told them to do it, citing laws and Executive Orders that undermine the Constititon.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Why? Because the Secretary of State told them to do it, citing laws and Executive Orders that undermine the Constititon.
bookriot.com/rutherford-c...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
You liked, we listened... We took our popular post on how to talk to your kids about banned books and expanded it into a full-length article packed with tips, talking points, and book suggestions your family can actually use.
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
How to Talk to Your Kids About Banned Books
Talking—you can empower kids to read boldly by discussing why books get banned, reading them together, and modeling advocacy and curiosity.
freedomtoreadproject.org
November 6, 2025 at 2:38 PM
You liked, we listened... We took our popular post on how to talk to your kids about banned books and expanded it into a full-length article packed with tips, talking points, and book suggestions your family can actually use.
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_talk_to_your_kids_about_banned_books
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Our friends @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social are gathering information about "soft censorship" happening in the US According to School Library Journal, soft censorship is a "quiet banishing that often comes without explanation." If you've seen it in your community, please respond to their survey
Soft Censorship of Diverse Books
WNDB is collecting information on the soft censorship of diverse books across the US. Have you witnessed soft censorship in your community? Please share your experiences below. Your response can be…
docs.google.com
October 27, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Our friends @weneeddiversebooks.bsky.social are gathering information about "soft censorship" happening in the US According to School Library Journal, soft censorship is a "quiet banishing that often comes without explanation." If you've seen it in your community, please respond to their survey
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Friends in the Publishing Industry! Literary Agents of Change, the Association of American Literary Agents’ DEI committee, are hosting “In Conversation” events designed to provide opportunities for growth across industry lines. The next is Nov 5. Register here:
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: How to Address the Challenges Facing our Industry: Publishing Professionals in Conversation about Taking Action. After registering, you will receive a confi...
A conversation moderated by Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Bestselling Author and Co-Founder of Authors Against Book Bans), between Denise Neujahr (Youth Services Librarian at Spokane Public Library and recipien...
us06web.zoom.us
November 3, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Friends in the Publishing Industry! Literary Agents of Change, the Association of American Literary Agents’ DEI committee, are hosting “In Conversation” events designed to provide opportunities for growth across industry lines. The next is Nov 5. Register here: