Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 08:20 am
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis hosted a press conference focusing on the inclusion of explicit content in books available in schools. DeSantis utilized a slideshow to illustrate his argument that activists are exploiting the book approval process. He emphasized that the Department of Education will be directed to confront those who exploit this process with inappropriate content. The governor contended that the indoctrination of children through education, facilitated by such material, is not justifiable.
Several books were used as examples of explicit content, including “This Book Is Gay” and “Gender Queer”. The former discusses sexual activity graphically and encourages minors to use gay sex apps. The latter contains explicit depictions of sex acts and masturbation. DeSantis maintained that parents in Florida should have the right to send their children to school, confident that they will be educated, not indoctrinated.
The governor urged critics to openly defend the content displayed at the press conference before making accusations about the state’s intent to ban classical literature. He argued that it’s essential not to politicize education with inappropriate content, but instead focus on providing students with a good education.
Texas Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. echoed the governor’s sentiments, arguing the process is designed to prevent the inappropriate inclusion of certain materials in the classroom.