Over the past three years, Florida has endured an invasive and far reaching attack on rights to free speech and expression. This has resulted in Florida banning more books than any other state in the country,1 as well as the passage of legislation and policy that has undermined academic freedom, created a culture of fear and self-censorship, and sowed chaos and division in Florida’s public education system.2
Governor Ron DeSantis and his allies in the Florida state legislature have championed these laws and policies under the banners of freedom, democracy, and “parental rights.” The DeSantis administration has chosen to wage a self-described “war on woke,” with the avowed goal of protecting everyday citizens from being forced to accept specific ideologies.3 Conservative activist groups like Moms for Liberty have pursued an aggressive book-banning agenda within the state while claiming the mantle of “freedom.”4