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...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
FWIW, this happened as part of their release about the ending of the "Book Ban Hoax." The book ban czar was a member of the OCR, hearing cases about discrimination related to literary access in schools.
Anyway, a great way to claim there's no school discrimination is to fire the lawyers.
Anyway, a great way to claim there's no school discrimination is to fire the lawyers.
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights was gutted in Trump’s mass layoffs last year, leaving half as many lawyers to investigate complaints of discrimination based on race, sex or disability in schools. Those who remain face a backlog of more than 25,000 cases.
The Education Department is opening fewer sexual violence investigations as Trump dismantles it
The Education Department is opening fewer sexual violence investigations at schools and universities.
bit.ly
January 16, 2026 at 3:57 PM
FWIW, this happened as part of their release about the ending of the "Book Ban Hoax." The book ban czar was a member of the OCR, hearing cases about discrimination related to literary access in schools.
Anyway, a great way to claim there's no school discrimination is to fire the lawyers.
Anyway, a great way to claim there's no school discrimination is to fire the lawyers.
Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session is off and running.
There’s a lot to watch this session, but here’s where we are focused:
www.fftrp.org/bills_to_watch
Click through to learn more about the two bad bills with major implications for the freedom to read and learn in Florida.
There’s a lot to watch this session, but here’s where we are focused:
www.fftrp.org/bills_to_watch
Click through to learn more about the two bad bills with major implications for the freedom to read and learn in Florida.
Bills to Watch
www.fftrp.org
January 15, 2026 at 8:39 PM
Florida’s 2026 Legislative Session is off and running.
There’s a lot to watch this session, but here’s where we are focused:
www.fftrp.org/bills_to_watch
Click through to learn more about the two bad bills with major implications for the freedom to read and learn in Florida.
There’s a lot to watch this session, but here’s where we are focused:
www.fftrp.org/bills_to_watch
Click through to learn more about the two bad bills with major implications for the freedom to read and learn in Florida.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
We had a wonderful time interviewing Angie Hayden and learning all about Read Freely Alabama and their work. Their grassroots advocacy shows how everyday people can defend intellectual freedom and keep libraries open and inclusive.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
“These Books Are a Proxy for Human Beings”: Inside Alabama’s Grassroots Fight Against Book Bans
Alabama grassroots advocates, led by Read Freely Alabama, fight book bans, defend libraries, win support, and affirm stories reflect real people.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
January 15, 2026 at 3:07 PM
We had a wonderful time interviewing Angie Hayden and learning all about Read Freely Alabama and their work. Their grassroots advocacy shows how everyday people can defend intellectual freedom and keep libraries open and inclusive.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/_these_books...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Thanks, Jenna. Now show THE LIBRARIANS to your mom and get her to speak up. We’ve been taking it on the chin for FIVE YEARS, and not a peep from her. @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social
“This is exceptional. @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social is a beautiful, really important documentary.” —Jenna Bush Hager.
“Art can speak to the heart sometimes in ways the news can’t.” —Sheinelle Jones
Watch SJP talk about the documentary on The Today Show.
www.today.com/video/sarah-...
“Art can speak to the heart sometimes in ways the news can’t.” —Sheinelle Jones
Watch SJP talk about the documentary on The Today Show.
www.today.com/video/sarah-...
January 15, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Thanks, Jenna. Now show THE LIBRARIANS to your mom and get her to speak up. We’ve been taking it on the chin for FIVE YEARS, and not a peep from her. @thelibrariansfilm.bsky.social
When a law requires the prohibition of books from the library regardless of reader need or interest, parent/community support for access, and professional expertise - that law bans books and the legislators that supported the law made the book bans possible.
This week Katy ISD posted a list of 142 books (100 or so previously flagged for “gender fluidity” review) now banned from classroom and campus libraries, to “remain in compliance with Senate Bill 12 and Senate Bill 13.”
Source: www.katyisd.org/instructiona...
Source: www.katyisd.org/instructiona...
January 14, 2026 at 2:17 AM
When a law requires the prohibition of books from the library regardless of reader need or interest, parent/community support for access, and professional expertise - that law bans books and the legislators that supported the law made the book bans possible.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Small actions add up: read a challenged book, leave a public review, show up to one meeting, speak for one minute, or send one email. Each step builds momentum, visibility, and community and reminds decision-makers that people are paying attention.
January 13, 2026 at 3:07 PM
Small actions add up: read a challenged book, leave a public review, show up to one meeting, speak for one minute, or send one email. Each step builds momentum, visibility, and community and reminds decision-makers that people are paying attention.
What do all 5 titles have in common?
They were all on the list of 55 titles that our State Board of Education forced Hillsborough (and through copycat compliance, all other districts) to remove without a local objection or review/consideration of the works in their entirety back in June of 2025.
They were all on the list of 55 titles that our State Board of Education forced Hillsborough (and through copycat compliance, all other districts) to remove without a local objection or review/consideration of the works in their entirety back in June of 2025.
According to PEN America, these were among the most frequently banned books last year. Banning books doesn’t protect readers; it silences voices and limits choice. The answer isn’t removal, but conversation and context.
Get involved: find tools at FreedomToReadProject.org
Get involved: find tools at FreedomToReadProject.org
January 12, 2026 at 3:58 PM
What do all 5 titles have in common?
They were all on the list of 55 titles that our State Board of Education forced Hillsborough (and through copycat compliance, all other districts) to remove without a local objection or review/consideration of the works in their entirety back in June of 2025.
They were all on the list of 55 titles that our State Board of Education forced Hillsborough (and through copycat compliance, all other districts) to remove without a local objection or review/consideration of the works in their entirety back in June of 2025.
Florida’s HB 1119/SB 1692 is less about policy and more about making legal what was done without legal authority.
Last June, state leaders ordered districts to remove books based on excerpts alone- the same books they used as examples to unsuccessfully argue a need for this very bill last session.
Last June, state leaders ordered districts to remove books based on excerpts alone- the same books they used as examples to unsuccessfully argue a need for this very bill last session.
Eight states have pre-filed and/or introduced really bad library and book censorship bills for the 2026 legislative session already. Here's what they are, what they'd do, and how you can and should push back–whether you live in these states or not.
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
buttondown.com/wellsourced/...
Bad Library Bills, 2026 Edition: State-Level Legislation of Concern
Alabama, Ohio, New Hampshire, and several other states already have bills targeting libraries and books on deck for 2026.
buttondown.com
January 11, 2026 at 4:41 PM
Florida’s HB 1119/SB 1692 is less about policy and more about making legal what was done without legal authority.
Last June, state leaders ordered districts to remove books based on excerpts alone- the same books they used as examples to unsuccessfully argue a need for this very bill last session.
Last June, state leaders ordered districts to remove books based on excerpts alone- the same books they used as examples to unsuccessfully argue a need for this very bill last session.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
You combat hopelessness by doing something. In an era of unrepentant book bans and library attacks, you show up. You learn. You show up again.
Activism and advocacy are a practice.
Here are over 60 tasks for helping preserve the right to read, wherever you are.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
Activism and advocacy are a practice.
Here are over 60 tasks for helping preserve the right to read, wherever you are.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
60+ Small Tasks to Defend the Right to Read: Book Censorship News, January 9, 2026
No one is coming to save us, so we must do it ourselves. Here are 60+ small tasks to help defend the right to read in 2026 and beyond.
bookriot.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:32 PM
You combat hopelessness by doing something. In an era of unrepentant book bans and library attacks, you show up. You learn. You show up again.
Activism and advocacy are a practice.
Here are over 60 tasks for helping preserve the right to read, wherever you are.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
Activism and advocacy are a practice.
Here are over 60 tasks for helping preserve the right to read, wherever you are.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
We updated our censorship attempts tracking for the first time since Winter Break today.
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
Florida Censorship Attempts
View all of the tracked censorship attempts in Florida since fall of 2021.
www.fftrp.org
January 11, 2026 at 2:11 PM
We updated our censorship attempts tracking for the first time since Winter Break today.
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
All activity is tied to two people and one special interest group in Clay, Nassau, Santa Rosa, Polk, and Escambia. Decisions posted for Clay & Nassau, still waiting on Polk PRRs.
www.fftrp.org/florida_cens...
Last summer, right after the previous version of HB 1119/SB 1692 failed to become law, we saw state officials force districts to remove books without considering their overall value, and they did it out in the open for us all to see.
The state apparently didn’t need the bill.
So why is it back?
The state apparently didn’t need the bill.
So why is it back?
1. In an extraordinary public flogging, the Florida State Board of Education repeatedly threatened a school superintendent with criminal prosecution unless he removed a Judy Blume book from all library shelves.
One member called the district librarians "child abusers."
One member called the district librarians "child abusers."
Florida's literary inquisition
In a chilling meeting of the Florida State Board of Education last week, a school district superintendent was publicly browbeaten and repeatedly threatened with criminal prosecution.
popular.info
January 10, 2026 at 12:37 PM
Last summer, right after the previous version of HB 1119/SB 1692 failed to become law, we saw state officials force districts to remove books without considering their overall value, and they did it out in the open for us all to see.
The state apparently didn’t need the bill.
So why is it back?
The state apparently didn’t need the bill.
So why is it back?
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
A new Florida bill would pave the way for schools to remove any book that mentions sex, from the Brave New World to The Bluest Eye.
Literary, scientific, artistic merit would be stripped from consideration when deciding if a book should be accessible to someone younger than 18.
Literary, scientific, artistic merit would be stripped from consideration when deciding if a book should be accessible to someone younger than 18.
Florida lawmaker says literary merit doesn’t matter if books mention sex
The big story: The Florida Legislature’s years-long push to add restrictions to school library books hit a bump in 2025, when the Senate rejected a measure to delete consideration of “literary merit” ...
www.yahoo.com
January 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM
A new Florida bill would pave the way for schools to remove any book that mentions sex, from the Brave New World to The Bluest Eye.
Literary, scientific, artistic merit would be stripped from consideration when deciding if a book should be accessible to someone younger than 18.
Literary, scientific, artistic merit would be stripped from consideration when deciding if a book should be accessible to someone younger than 18.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
They tried and failed to pass this bill last year, in part bc it's wildly unconstitutional. The good news is these bills are identical to the ones last year.
The bad news is if they pass, creators all over the country will be legally imperiled all over the nation.
The bad news is if they pass, creators all over the country will be legally imperiled all over the nation.
The Senate companion to Bankson’s Book Ban Bill (HB 1119) dropped this afternoon right before the filing deadline.
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
Florida lawmaker says literary merit doesn’t matter if books mention sex
A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
www.tampabay.com
January 10, 2026 at 12:09 AM
They tried and failed to pass this bill last year, in part bc it's wildly unconstitutional. The good news is these bills are identical to the ones last year.
The bad news is if they pass, creators all over the country will be legally imperiled all over the nation.
The bad news is if they pass, creators all over the country will be legally imperiled all over the nation.
The Senate companion to Bankson’s Book Ban Bill (HB 1119) dropped this afternoon right before the filing deadline.
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
Florida lawmaker says literary merit doesn’t matter if books mention sex
A roundup of Florida education news from around the state
www.tampabay.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:11 PM
The Senate companion to Bankson’s Book Ban Bill (HB 1119) dropped this afternoon right before the filing deadline.
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
It was filed by Senator McClain under the number SB 1692 (same number as last year).
Here’s coverage out this morning on the House version:
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
“Schools would not be allowed to consider the material’s…value — as current law requires with a nod to the SCOTUS’s Miller Test — when reviewing whether to keep the titles on their shelves. The bill would apply to public school districts, and not private schools.”
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
January 9, 2026 at 4:12 PM
“Schools would not be allowed to consider the material’s…value — as current law requires with a nod to the SCOTUS’s Miller Test — when reviewing whether to keep the titles on their shelves. The bill would apply to public school districts, and not private schools.”
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
www.tampabay.com/news/educati...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
In this post, you'll find a spreadsheet you can save and use to track what you do all year long.
WE have the power. WE have to exercise it.
The efforts to preserve our Constitutional rights matter. THIS is the work.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
WE have the power. WE have to exercise it.
The efforts to preserve our Constitutional rights matter. THIS is the work.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
60+ Small Tasks to Defend the Right to Read: Book Censorship News, January 9, 2026
No one is coming to save us, so we must do it ourselves. Here are 60+ small tasks to help defend the right to read in 2026 and beyond.
bookriot.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:21 PM
In this post, you'll find a spreadsheet you can save and use to track what you do all year long.
WE have the power. WE have to exercise it.
The efforts to preserve our Constitutional rights matter. THIS is the work.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
WE have the power. WE have to exercise it.
The efforts to preserve our Constitutional rights matter. THIS is the work.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
It's 2026, and we're now well into the fifth year of book bans nationwide.
What can you do? There are *many* things you can do.
Here are 60+ small tasks to defend the right to read in your backyard and to help in the efforts nationwide.
No one saves us except us.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
What can you do? There are *many* things you can do.
Here are 60+ small tasks to defend the right to read in your backyard and to help in the efforts nationwide.
No one saves us except us.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
60+ Small Tasks to Defend the Right to Read: Book Censorship News, January 9, 2026
No one is coming to save us, so we must do it ourselves. Here are 60+ small tasks to help defend the right to read in 2026 and beyond.
bookriot.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:19 PM
It's 2026, and we're now well into the fifth year of book bans nationwide.
What can you do? There are *many* things you can do.
Here are 60+ small tasks to defend the right to read in your backyard and to help in the efforts nationwide.
No one saves us except us.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
What can you do? There are *many* things you can do.
Here are 60+ small tasks to defend the right to read in your backyard and to help in the efforts nationwide.
No one saves us except us.
bookriot.com/how-to-defen...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Resolve to defend the right to read. @heykellyjensen.bsky.social has compiled another OUTSTANDING list of actions you can take to educate yourself and others about ongoing threats to intellectual freedom.
60+ Small Tasks to Defend the Right to Read: Book Censorship News, January 9, 2026
No one is coming to save us, so we must do it ourselves. Here are 60+ small tasks to help defend the right to read in 2026 and beyond.
bookriot.com
January 9, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Resolve to defend the right to read. @heykellyjensen.bsky.social has compiled another OUTSTANDING list of actions you can take to educate yourself and others about ongoing threats to intellectual freedom.
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Only 0.05% of students’ parents opted them out of these books.
Legislators are fighting a culture war to appease one twentieth of one percent of the population. We keep seeing this. @txfreedomread.bsky.social
@flfreedomread.bsky.social
@penamerica.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Legislators are fighting a culture war to appease one twentieth of one percent of the population. We keep seeing this. @txfreedomread.bsky.social
@flfreedomread.bsky.social
@penamerica.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
These are the books families opted-out of after Supreme Court fight
Montgomery County Public Schools recently finished its first semester since the U.S. Supreme Court sided with a group of parents who sought the right to opt-out of lessons with LGBTQ themes.
www.thebanner.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:48 PM
Only 0.05% of students’ parents opted them out of these books.
Legislators are fighting a culture war to appease one twentieth of one percent of the population. We keep seeing this. @txfreedomread.bsky.social
@flfreedomread.bsky.social
@penamerica.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Legislators are fighting a culture war to appease one twentieth of one percent of the population. We keep seeing this. @txfreedomread.bsky.social
@flfreedomread.bsky.social
@penamerica.bsky.social
www.thebanner.com/education/k-...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
My column in the Sun-Times today.
And c'mon, what newspaper columnist gets to write about John Steinbeck on page two of a major metropolitan newspaper? Do I have a great job or WHAT? 😀
www.everygoddamnday.com/2026/01/in-t...
And c'mon, what newspaper columnist gets to write about John Steinbeck on page two of a major metropolitan newspaper? Do I have a great job or WHAT? 😀
www.everygoddamnday.com/2026/01/in-t...
In today's English classes, kids often read just snippets of novels — and that's a shame
Reading “The Grapes of Wrath” for the first time reminded me — there’s nothing like being lost in a book.
www.everygoddamnday.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:53 PM
My column in the Sun-Times today.
And c'mon, what newspaper columnist gets to write about John Steinbeck on page two of a major metropolitan newspaper? Do I have a great job or WHAT? 😀
www.everygoddamnday.com/2026/01/in-t...
And c'mon, what newspaper columnist gets to write about John Steinbeck on page two of a major metropolitan newspaper? Do I have a great job or WHAT? 😀
www.everygoddamnday.com/2026/01/in-t...
Looking for an escape from the news today?
Read a book with your child (or on your own) and then create a zine inspired by the book!
Read a book with your child (or on your own) and then create a zine inspired by the book!
Just finished a great book with your child and want to keep the conversation going? Our guide shows you how to make a zine together: an easy, creative way to celebrate what you read, reflect on favorite moments & make something meaningful as a family.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
How to Make a Zine with Your Child About the Book You Just Read Together
Turn your shared reading into a creative keepsake and meaningful conversation.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Looking for an escape from the news today?
Read a book with your child (or on your own) and then create a zine inspired by the book!
Read a book with your child (or on your own) and then create a zine inspired by the book!
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
“Censoring classical texts in service of political orthodoxy is antithetical to the goals of education. Universities exist to engage students in difficult inquiry and not to suppress ideas just because they make some uncomfortable.”
Plato Has Been Censored; What Next?
PEN America condemns and calls absurd Texas A&M censoring Plato readings and discussions related to race and gender
pen.org
January 8, 2026 at 5:32 AM
“Censoring classical texts in service of political orthodoxy is antithetical to the goals of education. Universities exist to engage students in difficult inquiry and not to suppress ideas just because they make some uncomfortable.”
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
Just finished a great book with your child and want to keep the conversation going? Our guide shows you how to make a zine together: an easy, creative way to celebrate what you read, reflect on favorite moments & make something meaningful as a family.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
How to Make a Zine with Your Child About the Book You Just Read Together
Turn your shared reading into a creative keepsake and meaningful conversation.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org
January 8, 2026 at 2:34 PM
Just finished a great book with your child and want to keep the conversation going? Our guide shows you how to make a zine together: an easy, creative way to celebrate what you read, reflect on favorite moments & make something meaningful as a family.
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
www.freedomtoreadproject.org/how_to_make_...
Reposted by Florida Freedom to Read Project
They're going 10000% in on ignoring the Miller Test.
Last year’s failed HB 1539 is back for the 2026 Legislative Session (HB 1119) filed by Rep. Bankson again.
It would remove a district’s ability to review a work in its entirety to determine literary, artistic, scientific, or political value before forcing removal.
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill...
It would remove a district’s ability to review a work in its entirety to determine literary, artistic, scientific, or political value before forcing removal.
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill...
January 7, 2026 at 6:01 PM
They're going 10000% in on ignoring the Miller Test.
Last year’s failed HB 1539 is back for the 2026 Legislative Session (HB 1119) filed by Rep. Bankson again.
It would remove a district’s ability to review a work in its entirety to determine literary, artistic, scientific, or political value before forcing removal.
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill...
It would remove a district’s ability to review a work in its entirety to determine literary, artistic, scientific, or political value before forcing removal.
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill...
January 7, 2026 at 5:41 PM
Last year’s failed HB 1539 is back for the 2026 Legislative Session (HB 1119) filed by Rep. Bankson again.
It would remove a district’s ability to review a work in its entirety to determine literary, artistic, scientific, or political value before forcing removal.
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill...
It would remove a district’s ability to review a work in its entirety to determine literary, artistic, scientific, or political value before forcing removal.
www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill...