Parent Sheila Cokie advocates for open access to diverse books at Fernandina Beach High School

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Nassau County School Board meeting, a passionate voice rose above the hum of the crowd. Sheila Cokie, a parent from Fernandina Beach, stood before the board, her words echoing the sentiments of many concerned citizens. She likened the experience of walking beside the trees near her home to the iconic scene from "Field of Dreams," where dreams come alive in unexpected ways.

Cokie, the mother of a ninth grader, addressed the ongoing debate surrounding book access in schools, particularly in light of recent restrictions imposed by some parents. With conviction, she shared her decision to grant her child full access to the district's library, including the seven copies of the Bible available. Her advocacy extended beyond personal choices; she expressed her commitment to championing educators at the upcoming state Board of Education meeting.

Her remarks took a poignant turn as she recounted her distress over the threats made against teachers and administrators for allowing students to read freely. "We should be empowering educators, not threatening them for doing their jobs," she asserted, her voice steady yet filled with emotion. Cokie criticized what she described as a "terroristic and puritanical approach" to book censorship, emphasizing that libraries and classrooms should serve as safe havens for exploration and critical thinking.

Cokie highlighted the importance of diverse literature in fostering discussions about complex issues, urging the board to trust educators and families to make informed decisions about reading materials. She pointed out the inconsistency in scrutinizing certain texts while allowing others, like the Bible, to remain unquestioned despite their mature themes.

As she concluded her remarks, Cokie called for an end to censorship in public schools, advocating for an environment where students can learn and grow through literature. "Public schools should be places of learning and not censorship," she declared, leaving the board and audience with a powerful message about the importance of choice in education.

With a chorus of "Ayes" in response to her call for discussion, the meeting continued, but Cokie's passionate plea lingered in the air, a reminder of the ongoing struggle for intellectual freedom in schools.