Stephen King condemns Florida for banning 23 of his books
King criticises Florida law removing books from school libraries
Stephen King has responded to the banning of his books in schools due to a new Florida law.
On 29 August, Penguin Random House, along with several other publishers and the Authors Guild, filed a lawsuit against Florida. The law in question allows parents to lodge complaints and have certain books removed from school libraries.
Moms for Liberty, a far-right group, has been pushing for the removal of books discuss gender and sexuality. In response to these complaints, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HP 1069 in 2022, targeting books with supposedly sexually explicit content.
A great evening in Washington, D.C. with @Moms4Liberty, thank you! #MAGA2024 pic.twitter.com/JxSoaNKXTf
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2024
The legislation mandates sex education must teach that sex is binary and determined at birth, using only state-approved materials. It also allows objections to any classroom or library materials depicting sexual conduct, even if not pornographic, unless for a health course. Such materials are removed pending investigation and may be permanently banned.
Since the law took effect in July 2023, several schools have banned various books, including some of King’s works.
HarperCollins announced the lawsuit against the state, noting that “hundreds of titles” have been banned since HB 1069 became law. This list includes classics like “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and contemporary works by authors such as Margaret Atwood and Judy Blume.
Books are removed from libraries if a parent or county resident objects, with no requirement for a timely review or return if found compliant. An objector can request a review by a state-appointed special magistrate, funded by the school district.
Florida has banned 23 pf my books.
What the fuck?— Stephen King (@StephenKing) August 31, 2024
Banned Stephen King novels include “Carrie,” “It,” “The Gunslinger,” “The Long Walk,” and “The Running Man.” King reacted on Twitter on 31 August, writing, “Florida has banned 23 of my books. What the f**k?”
The publishers’ lawsuit argues that banning books for “sexual conduct” disregards their educational value. Penguin Random House and other publishers emphasized the need to protect freedom of expression and access to diverse viewpoints.
They stated the importance of allowing educators to use their expertise to connect students with books that reflect various human experiences.
Florida officials dismissed the lawsuit as a “stunt.” Department of Education spokesperson Sydney Booker stated, “There are no books banned in Florida. Sexually explicit material and instruction are not suitable for schools.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- GIANT FREAKIN ROBOT offers a detailed report on Stephen King’s reaction to 23 of his books being banned in Florida. The article highlights King’s direct and succinct response, “What the f*ck?” on August 31, reflecting his frustration with the ban. (read more)
- AOL reports that Stephen King has given a blunt assessment of the current state of film and television, criticizing the lack of diversity in storytelling and the increasing influence of streaming services. (read more)
- The Daily Wire article discusses how Stephen King’s claim that 23 of his books were banned in Florida was met with criticism, with some arguing that the removal of explicit content from school libraries is not a ban. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What law allows parents to ban books in Florida schools?
The law is HP 1069, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022.
Which authors’ books have been banned in Florida schools?
Authors like Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and Judy Blume have had books banned.
What did Stephen King say about his books being banned?
Stephen King tweeted, ‘Florida has banned 23 of my books. What the f**k?’
What does the lawsuit against the Florida law argue?
The lawsuit argues the law ignores the educational value of books and limits access to diverse viewpoints.
Are any books completely banned in Florida according to officials?
Florida officials claim no books are banned, just that sexually explicit material is not suitable for schools.
