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The Escambia Democratic Party is outraged with the decision on Monday, February 20, 2023, by the Escambia County School Board, to ban All Boys Aren’t Blue, And Tango Makes Three and When Aidan Became A Brother from all Media Centers and Classrooms of the Escambia County School District.
It is evident that this decision was rooted either in ignorance, intolerance, or some variation of both towards the LGBTQIA and Black Communities. This decision and any decision to ban books based upon one’s personal and religious beliefs should be considered discriminatory in nature and a direct attack on both the LGBTQIA Community and Communities of Color. School officials are bound by constitutional considerations, including a duty not to give in to pressure to suppress unpopular ideas or controversial language.
The Supreme Court has cautioned that school officials “may not remove books from library shelves simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books and seek by their removal to ‘prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion’.” Board of Education v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853, 872 (1982) (plurality opinion). Diversity, equity, and inclusion, in conjunction with exposure to worlds and ideals outside of one’s own, are paramount to creating a society of acceptance and appreciation of all people: People who are Black, White, Hispanic, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender.
School Board Member Kevin Adams stated, “We should be concentrated on the education of these students.” Education is defined as both the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university, and an enlightening experience. Books that provide insight into everyday life and the experiences of individuals definitely allow for an enlightened experience. Removal of literature that the far right has deemed to be Indoctrination or Woke Agenda is evidence of a society moving from its democratic principles to a society rooted in fascist ideology.
The Escambia Democratic Party will continue to champion values based on the acceptance and appreciation of all, irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity. We will not stand either for or with those who continue to spread hate or exclusionary ideology and practice, nor will we accept intolerance of any kind from those who were elected by the citizens of this great county.
Escambia Democratic Party
In Partnership With
Emerald Coast Equality LGBTA Democratic Caucus
Escambia County Democratic Black Caucus
Escambia County Democratic Environmental Caucus
Escambia County Democratic Women’s Club
Here are some important steps you can take to help combat censorship in our schools.
1. Sign up to serve on the District Materials Committee to review books. The more “open” minded people on these committees the better. Word is now out about the committees and those who wish to shut down books are applying too. Please contact Media Services Dept. @ Ph: (850) 595-0030 x290.
2. Call and email your school board member. Let them know you are disappointed in the decision to ban three books from our school libraries. Kevin Adams (District 1) needs to hear from people who do not sound like him! David Williams (District 3) is new and needs to hear from citizens regarding his vote. You can call/email all the board members because their decision impacts all students.
https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/e
3. Use this link to see the books that have been challenged. If you have read any of them, go to the Community Input Column and add your feedback.
https://docs.google.com/sprea
4. Consider writing a letter to the editor of the PNJ. The Opinion page of the PNJ is the most widely read section of the newspaper and only appears now in the Sunday edition. It is an important tool in spreading the word about the book bans. 200 word max.
https://static.pnj.com/submit
5. Make plans now to attend the March 20 School Board Meeting. The next round of books for appeal will be heard that evening. Put it on your calendar and bring a friend and plan to speak.
Ideas to Expand on when speaking, writing, calling School Board members:
The Board has ignored the recommendations of the District Committee four times, why don’t they follow the recommendations? The Committee members have read the book, reviewed the laws involved, reviewed the School Board policy and have reached a decision after thoughtful discussion. The Committee is definitely more well versed in the information about the book than the School Board. Why not follow the recommendations.
A small, vocal minority using religious overtones, scripture readings and inflammatory references to “pornography and obscenity are attempting to control the narrative around book censorship.
A parent in Escambia County already has the right to opt their child out of using the library or limiting certain books or having an alternative assignment if there is an objection to content, they should use it rather than prevent others from having information.
The book challenges present specific agendas that are strongly anti-LBGTQ, racist and discriminatory in origin.
Many of the people speaking against books DO NOT HAVE STUDENTS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, and they want to control those students in the public schools.
School Boards need to support teachers and media specialists in the district. This constant assault on them will lead to a greater loss of a qualified, certified workforce, which endangers our students. Be the voice for all teachers and media specialists, they cannot speak for fear of losing their jobs, many are not tenured.
If you have any questions about these suggestions, please contact Linda Fussell atLfussell@mac.com
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