Article by Audrey Hopper, TPT Staff Writer

In light of recent atrocities committed against education in the state of Florida more attention has been drawn to the educational shortcomings of the state. Florida has the 3rd lowest literacy rate in all 50 states. This would imply that the problem could stem from the Florida public school system. Florida is known for being a conservative state within the bible belt; which has contributed to an increase in ultra conservative legislation passed in the state of Florida. Much of this legislation includes vague rules about various subjects potentially discussed in a school setting. This legislation is dangerous and will create a generation of Floridians who lack basic education.

*The office of Florida Dept. of Education. Photo via Scott Keeler/Tampa Bay TImes*

Blocking books, movies, topics of discussion, and more is not protecting our children. In an effort to “protect children” Republicans are teaching them to be close minded and hypersensitive to those different from them. Being exposed to age appropriate material is a valid concern of many parents but most families have different ideas of what is and is not appropriate for children of varying ages. In the state of Florida, teachers can now be charged with a felony, large fines, or jail time if they provide students with books that a parent deems “inappropriate.”

The censorship of school materials can be a hot button topic for debate at school board meetings such as those taking place in Clay County, Florida. This county has been an epicenter for the debate on banning books in school. The decisions being made are by a board in which only two out of the five board members have any background in education. Should people with no knowledge of the educational system really be charged with making decisions about the education of the next generation? This school board has made the decision that a book can be banned from schools without ever having to read the book in its entirety or at all. If anyone finds a book to be offensive in any way shape or form they have the ability to report it. Once it is reported it goes to a committee which can make a decision without reading the book, simply going off the complaint provided.

I can personally attest to the immense failures in Florida public schools. I was raised in Illinois but moved to the state of Florida during my freshman year. I essentially repeated 8th grade during my freshman year. I have sat in school with the students that are victims of the Florida public school system. Many of the students lack basic knowledge in the areas reading, math, and science. Further blocking access to a comprehensive education that introduces students to different ways of life would not benefit them. Barring students from seeing the world without the lens of sheltered, white, Christian men creates adults who don’t know how to function in the real world; this creates adults that lack compassion.

The views articulated in this piece are the writer’s own, and do not reflect the official stances of The Progressive Teen or HSDA at large.

The Florida Public School System is Failing Students