A series of public‑comment speakers at the April 3 Clay County School Board meeting urged the board to restore books removed from district libraries and criticized the district's review process.

High school students Sylvia McCreany, Mia Bridal and Connor Bridal told the board that library shelves have been stripped of titles they consider important for education, identity and critical thinking. "We want our books back," said Sylvia McCreany. Connor Bridal, who identified as a queer transgender student, said that seeing queer representation in school libraries had helped him feel safe: "Let us learn freely and let us grow," he said.

Public commenter James Frademan said he filed challenges under state procedures and called for removal of titles he characterized as inappropriate; he said 77 titles were removed district‑wide last month. Frademan read passages from specific books and said he had submitted both an informal and a formal challenge.

Other speakers raised related concerns: Constance Higginbotham and Vicky Kidwell spoke on other agenda items, and James Yule asked the district to improve audio and visibility for workshop participants. Sheila Torres raised concerns about student safety and alleged misconduct; the board attorney said the district plans to schedule a closed (shade) meeting to discuss pending litigation.

Superintendent David Broski and board members responded in part by citing district policy and state law. The superintendent said the district removes titles that violate Florida statute 847 and emphasized that parents retain the right to choose whether their children view materials of a controversial nature. Board member Miss Hanson told students she had reviewed the materials and urged them to discuss access with parents, and she said the district posts the list of removed titles for public review.

No board action to restore or further remove titles was taken at the meeting; board members said the process for formal challenges and appeals is handled under state statutes and district policy.