Education

Florida House OK's Legislation Aimed At Increasing Oversight Of School Material

WUSF | By Cathy Carter

Published April 21, 2017 at 1:04 PM EDT

The Florida Education Association said that it was disappointed in the courts' ruling and was studying whether to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court.

It could become easier for parents and residents to challenge school textbooks under a billpassed by the Florida House.

Proponents like the bill’s sponsor, Naples Republican Bryon Donalds, say the legislation will better equip parents to contest material they feel is unsuitable for their children.

But critics contend that it could lead to censorship.

South Florida Democrat Joseph Heller called the legislation a “slippery slope.”

"You’re setting it up for there to be small groups of parents that are organized," he said. "This thing could also turn out to end up violating the separation of church and state."

Currently, anyone who objects to school material can petition their local school board. Under the legislation, complaints would come before a hearing officer, who would then deem if the content is suitable –or not.

In testimony before a House subcommitee in March, some parents complained of finding what they called obscene materials in their children's schools.

Most school textbooks purchased by Florida's 67 school districts come from a state-approved list.

A similar bill is also being considered in the Florida Senate.