by Sarah Rockwell
In the ongoing battle for civil rights and social justice, a new front has emerged in Florida: the fight against book bans.
Across the state, a small but vocal group is attempting to control the narrative in our schools, dictating which books children can access and what histories they are taught. These efforts threaten to undermine the principles of equality and freedom that are the bedrock of our society.
The fight against book bans is not just about preserving access to diverse literature; it’s about ensuring that our children can learn about the world in all its complexity and diversity. It’s about fighting against a regressive agenda that seeks to erase the stories and experiences of marginalized communities from our collective consciousness. As advocates for equality, we cannot allow a handful of people to impose their beliefs on the rest of us, especially when it comes to educating our youth.
The stakes are high. Limiting access to books that tell the stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and other marginalized groups not only robs children of the chance to see themselves reflected in literature, but it also deprives all students of the opportunity to develop empathy and understanding for those who are different from them. Education should be about opening minds, not closing them off.
Despite the challenges, we are fighting back. Across Florida, activists, educators, and concerned citizens are coming together to resist these bans and fight for the right to read. Their efforts are making a difference. For instance, the “LGBTQ+ Support Guide for Alachua County Schools” was written with the support of Equality Florida and PFLAG to ensure all students are protected. Similarly, organizations like Alachua County Freedom to Read are standing firm in their commitment to keep diverse books on our shelves. We even have a gay man — Thomas Vu — running for school board. We will keep fighting back because we have so much at stake.
The fight against book bans is not just about the present; it’s about the future we want to create for our children. It’s about ensuring that they grow up in a world where all stories are valued and all voices are heard. It’s about teaching them to think critically and compassionately, to question and to understand.
As we head toward August’s and November’s elections, there is a clear and urgent need for action. The upcoming elections present a critical opportunity to protect reproductive health care, fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, and challenge the Republican supermajority in our state legislature.
Each of us can make a difference. By committing just 10 hours between now and November to making phone calls, sending texts, or knocking on doors, we can collectively create a powerful force for change.
Let us stand together to oppose these book bans and work towards a Florida where equality and freedom are not just ideals but realities. Our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow. Let us fight for a future where every child can access books that will allow them to understand themselves and the world around them. The fight is hard, but the cause is just, and together, we can ensure that the right to read is preserved for generations to come.
Sarah Rockwell is a current member of the Alachua County School Board. She is also a mom, educator, and disability rights advocate with a doctoral degree in Special Education.