The figure is remarkably higher than the 19% of submitted materials that were approved by the state a month ago. The state says it has since worked with publishers to revise materials to meet Florida standards.“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ and the state’s consistent adherence to high quality, rigorous and factual content, Florida continually earns praise as a leader in education, including the recent number one ranking by U.S. News & World Report,” State Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr.
The state says 101 books were submitted, and only 19 were adopted as of April 6. After more than a month, 47 more books were approved, leading to a total of 66 approved books by Monday. The first example provided by the state included a paragraph in a K-5 book saying how parents should discuss the national anthem and specifically"why some citizens are choosing to 'Take a Knee' to protest police brutality and racism." The paragraph, which was included in a page about parents discussing symbols of the United States and Florida, was removed in the revision.
Other examples include material intended for grades 6-8. It discussed"what social justice issues are included in the Hebrew Bible." Those lines were replaced with asking what"key principles" are in the Hebrew Bible.