To the editor:

We’ve all read the headlines, thousands of books removed from shelves, Florida leads the nation in book bans but how much do we really know about the restrictions on students’ access to educational materials in our Lee County School District? How do these restrictions take place? Since students are restricted from accessing books and other educational materials can we call it what it is — a book ban?

While some call book bans “a hoax” others point out that the laws passed by the Florida Legislature from 2021 – 24 take hundreds of thousands of books off the shelves in teachers’ classrooms while other laws restrict student access to educational materials in the library media centers of Lee Schools. Then there are the book challenges mounted by some parents and community members. These challenges can restrict all students from accessing a book just because one parent doesn’t think the book is right for their child.

Learn what is happening on the ground. Join The Purple Group, non-partisan advocates for public schools, students, parents, educators, on March 6, Downtown Library, 6 p.m., Room C for a community meeting, “Who is Standing up for Reading in Lee County?” Learn about what is going on and hear from classroom teachers about how these laws affect teaching and learning in Lee schools.

Dr. Suzanne D. Cook

Fort Myers