BUSTING THE BUSTING

I love busting myths as much as Gov. Ron DeSantis, except our governor doesn't quite understand the concept. Last week, he held a press performance on his removal of books from school.

"Exposing the 'book ban' hoax is important because it reveals that some are attempting to use our schools for indoctrination," said Gov. DeSantis. "In Florida, pornographic and inappropriate materials that have been snuck into our classrooms and libraries to sexualize our students violate our state education standards. Florida is the education state, and that means providing students with a quality education free from sexualization and harmful materials that are not age appropriate."

Former state senator and charter school official, Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. served as the governor's cheerleader. "Education is about the pursuit of truth, not woke indoctrination. Under Governor DeSantis, Florida is committed to rigorous academic content and high standards so that students learn how to think and receive the tools necessary to go forth and make great decisions."

Then, Gov. DeSantis sent out a press release with four myths that his "facts" busted. However, his "facts" either lacked complete information, ignored the myth or simply repeated his position.

MYTH 1: Florida schools have been directed to "empty libraries" and "cover classroom books." The governor noted that of the 23 districts that reported removing materials, Duval and St. Johns counties have removed most, 19 each. Of the 175 books removed across the state, 164 (94%) were removed from media centers, and 153 (87%) were identified as pornographic, violent or inappropriate for their grade level.

FACT BUSTED: The review process for book removal has only just begun in most counties. Escambia County is reviewing over 150 books, and four have been pulled so far. In January, district officials in Manatee and Duval counties directed teachers to remove or wrap up their classroom libraries to avoid running afoul of Diaz's department until teachers receive approval.

MYTH 2: Florida is banning children's books about Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente. The governor didn't deny the fact. Instead, he list- ed four books he said parents found in Florida schools—"A Memoir," "Flamer," "This Book Is Gay" and "Let's Talk About It."

FACT BUSTED: Duval County did pull the Clemente and Aaron biographies last year, but the district reinstated the books in February after they passed the review process. Escambia County is reviewing the biography of another Black athlete, "When Wilma Rudolph Played Basketball."

MYTH 3: Florida has banned the instruction of African American History, including the discussion of slavery and the aftermath of slavery DeSantis asserted that such history has expanded during his administration.

FACT BUSTED: The African American History taught can only be DeSantis' sanitized version. The governor rejected the AP course on Black Studies and has questioned whether Florida high students should be allowed to take any Advanced Placement courses, which give students college credit, in the future.

MYTH 4: Florida teachers could be committing a third-degree felony by having books on "certain topics" within their classrooms. This is true, not a myth. The governor points out that Statute 847.012 has been in law for many years and carries a felony penalty for distributing pornographic material to children. According to DeSantis, the new laws "further solidify Florida's commitment to ensuring that the content available in our schools is appropriate for students."

FACT BUSTED: DeSantis insinuates the books removed are pornographic material. Several books by famous authors are banned due to vague guidelines. Over the weekend, The Washington Post reported Martin County removed a book about the Holocaust, "The Storyteller," which concerns the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor who meets an elderly former SS officer.

District officials said they were following guidance from the Florida Department of Education—thank you, Manny Diaz—that urged educators to nix books that they wouldn't be "comfortable reading aloud."

Books are being banned in school districts across the state to further Gov. DeSantis' political career, and our kids are suffering for it. That's a fact. {in} rick@inweekly.net