Share this @internewscast.com

A Florida school district has pulled over 1,600 books from its library shelves for review — including Webster’s Dictionary for Students — to ensure they comply with the state’s new sex education law that prohibits books describing sexual content. 

The Escambia County Public School District, in the Florida Panhandle, pulled five dictionaries, eight encyclopedias and “The Guinness Book of World Records.” It’s also reviewing the biographies of Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey, Anne Frank’s diary and “The Autobiography of Malcom X,” according to the Florida Freedom to Read Project, a group that seeks to protect students’ right to information.

While the books haven’t been banned altogether, they will be reviewed to assure they follow guidelines laid out in Florida’s House Bill 1069, which restricts public school instruction on reproductive health and related sex topics in sixth through 12th grade. 

The bill was signed in May and took effect in July, and was part of a series of bills in the state Legislature that sought to regulate how sex and gender identity are taught in public school settings.

It’s not clear when a final decision will be made on which books can return to school shelves and which should be banned.

NBC News has reached out to the Escambia County School District for comment.

District spokesperson Cody Strother told the Pensacola News Journal that the 1,000+ books referred to by the Florida Freedom to Read Project “have not been banned or removed from the school district; rather, they have simply been pulled for further review to ensure compliance with the new legislation.”

That same school district had been sued by the writers’ group PEN America, publisher Penguin Random House and authors whose books were banned in the district.

On Wednesday, a Pensacola judge ruled the lawsuit can move forward, finding the case had merit under the First Amendment’s free speech protections, but denied a claim under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Appeals court blocks New Mexico's 7-day waiting period for gun purchases, saying it violates 2nd Amendment

Appeals Court Halts Enforcement of New Mexico’s 7-Day Gun Purchase Waiting Period, Citing 2nd Amendment Concerns

A federal appeals court has paused New Mexico’s seven-day waiting period for…
Surveillance footage of Walmart stabbing suspect.

Disturbing CCTV video shows Walmart stabbing suspect charging at shoppers, injuring 11 in a violent attack

SHOCKING security footage captures a suspect embarking on a stabbing rampage at…
Woman's smiling mugshot goes viral after alleged $12K car vandalism spree against ex-boyfriend

Smiling Mugshot of Woman Goes Viral After Alleged $12,000 Car Vandalism Rampage on Ex-Boyfriend

A Kentucky woman’s smiling mugshot has gained attention online after she reportedly…
Chicago crime: Micro bully dog, 'Mamas,' stolen from Gage Park alley at 59th, Troy, police say; owner offering cash reward

Micro Bully Dog ‘Mamas’ Stolen from Gage Park Alley; Owner Offers Cash Reward

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago woman is offering a cash reward after…
Bryan Kohberger entering a courtroom for his arraignment.

Bryan Kohberger Debunks Theory About Victim Kaylee Goncalves After Conflicting Accounts From Surviving Roommate

A THEORY about what really happened during the murders of four Idaho…
Texas House redistricting committee advances bill with new congressional maps

Texas House Panel Approves Bill for Redrawing Congressional Maps

The Texas House of Representatives’ redistricting committee approved a revised version of…
Man who abducted, murdered woman in Bay County in 1982 to be executed in August

Florida Man Executed for 1982 Abduction and Murder of Woman From Insurance Office

Kayle Bates, 67, was declared dead at 6:17 p.m. after receiving a…
Georgia teen Sarah Grace Patrick accused of killing mom, stepdad denied bond

Georgia Teen Sarah Grace Patrick Denied Bond in Case of Alleged Murder of Her Mother and Stepfather

Supporters of Georgia teenager Sarah Grace Patrick, who is accused of fatally…
FDA warns public not to eat possibly radioactive shrimp under Great Value brand sold at Walmart in 13 states

FDA Alerts Consumers: Avoid Potentially Radioactive Shrimp from Great Value Brand at Walmart in 13 States

The FDA is warning the public about possibly radioactive shrimp that may…
Chinese national who overstayed visa learns fate for exporting weapons to North Korea

Chinese Citizen Sentenced for Illegally Exporting Weapons to North Korea After Visa Overstay

An undocumented immigrant who was involved in smuggling firearms, ammunition, and military…
CPS school board deeply divided over proposed Chicago Public Schools budget with days left to close $734M shortfall

CPS School Board Faces Major Divide Over Proposed Budget as $734M Deficit Deadline Looms

CHICAGO (WLS) — It is down to the wire. The Chicago Board…
Nicaraguan man illegally in US facing 'enhanced' charges after drunken hit-and-run: sheriff

Nicaraguan National in US Illegally Faces Upgraded Charges After Alleged Drunken Hit-and-Run Incident: Sheriff

A Nicaraguan national residing illegally in the U.S. is facing “enhanced” charges…