Parents and Educators Reject Book Bans at Hillsborough County School Board Meeting

At the Hillsborough County School Board meeting on June 17, 2025, passionate voices rose against the ongoing trend of book bans in schools, highlighting the detrimental impact on education and student well-being. Parents, educators, and community members expressed their concerns over the removal of books that they argue are essential for fostering empathy and understanding among students.

One parent shared a heartfelt story about her son learning to read through a beloved book, "Entango Makes Three," which tells the true story of two penguins raising a chick. She criticized the board for prioritizing book bans over pressing issues like staffing shortages and transportation delays, stating, "Students are missing instruction time, missing meals, and losing faith in a system that's supposed to support their education." She urged the board to listen to the community rather than outside influences dictating local policy.

Gianni Hunt, a member of the advocacy group Magnify Voices, echoed these sentiments, warning against the slippery slope of censorship. He emphasized that restricting access to books limits students' ability to think freely and engage with complex societal issues. "Knowledge empowers while censorship restricts," he stated, calling for transparency and local autonomy in educational decisions.

Several speakers highlighted the importance of diverse narratives, particularly those representing marginalized communities. They argued that banning books with LGBTQ+ themes or those addressing racism and personal identity not only silences important stories but also diminishes cultural understanding. "These stories teach empathy and prepare our students for a diverse world," one speaker noted.

The meeting also saw criticism of the board's decision-making process, with speakers asserting that parents should have a say in what their children read rather than allowing a few individuals to impose blanket restrictions. "It is families that should have the ability to decide what is appropriate for their children," one parent argued.

As the meeting concluded, the call for action was clear: community members urged the board to reject book bans and reaffirm their commitment to free education and intellectual growth. The discussions underscored a growing tension between parental rights, educational freedom, and the role of local governance in shaping the educational landscape in Hillsborough County.