New state rules on education pose concerns for Orange County Public Schools

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The State Board of Education is considering new training requirements for school-library employees.

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This change is amid increased scrutiny of books in libraries and classrooms.

On Tuesday, Orange County Public School officials discussed how to enforce new state rules.

These rules are meant to keep inappropriate topics out of classrooms and libraries.

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The district said they are still working on this issue and requests each teacher to catalog every book in their classroom and submit the list for approval.

Parents will be able to see the titles before the district approves.

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So far, they have decided to remove three books from library shelves permanently, and there are still more talks planned.

Some people in the Orange County school district said they are unhappy with the new district rules.

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“Our babies are not having access to all those books in their classroom because of this,” said Melissa Byrd.

The issue stems from a policy that forces the district to be responsible for every book students can access, even if it’s one a teacher paid for and brought in themselves.

Conservative groups have complained that some are too inappropriate for children and teenagers to read.

They have removed the books “Gender Queer- This Book is Gay” and “Let’s Talk Teenage Guide to Sex.”

The board will meet with staff to discuss their concerns and continue working on this in a few weeks.

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