Florida Education Department calls for stricter school library book reviews
The Florida Department of Education has issued a 90-day plan for superintendents to strengthen book review policies and ensure compliance with state laws.
The Florida Department of Education is urging school districts to implement stricter book review policies, outlining a 90-day plan for superintendents to address concerns about inappropriate materials in school libraries.
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Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack sent a letter this week to superintendents and charter school leaders, reminding them of their responsibility to ensure library materials comply with state law.
Mack said parents are still finding a shocking amount of material that fails that test and that it should not fall on a parent to take action.
Last week, Palm Beach County School Board members discussed the issue, with some individuals speaking out about inappropriate books they found in school libraries. One parent criticized the county’s process for reporting such books.
The memo from the Department of Education called the current process “unacceptable” and emphasized that districts should take the initiative to review materials themselves.
WPBF reached out to five local school districts regarding their review processes. St. Lucie County stated that it always complies with Department of Education laws and regulations. Martin County said its staff routinely reviews collections and media specialists follow procedures when selecting new materials. The district added that it will continue to align its practices with state guidance.
The state reiterated that local school boards are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance and superintendents are expected to carry out those duties.
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