Florida approves K-12 social studies textbooks after pressing publishers to tweak content – By Andrew Atterbury (Politico) / May 9, 2023
State officials cited several books for “political indoctrination.”
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida’s Department of Education as of Tuesday approved dozens of social studies textbooks for use in local schools after initially rejecting many over content the DeSantis administration found objectionable.
Publishers in many cases tweaked the content in their books after an initial review from the state, according to the state’s education agency.
State education officials flagged several potential textbooks for “political indoctrination,” including one lesson urging parents to speak with their children about kneeling during the National Anthem as a symbol representing America. Publishers also amended some of the books at Florida’s urging, such as removing a reference to the police killing of George Floyd in a middle school book, as Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to fight against “wokeness” in education.
“To uphold our exceptional standards, we must ensure our students and teachers have the highest quality materials available — materials that focus on historical facts and are free from inaccuracies or ideological rhetoric,” Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.
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