17-05-2025
Hillsborough County schools remove books after state threatens legal action
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida's Attorney General and Education Commissioner are demanding Hillsborough County Schools immediately remove certain books they claim are 'patently pornographic' and harmful to minors.
In a letter sent this week, Attorney General James Uthmeier warned the district that keeping the books on school shelves could violate state law.
'This letter didn't say, 'Hey Hillsborough, review these books,' it said remove them, or we'll take further action. That's a direct threat from the state,' said Stephana Ferrell with Florida Freedom to Read.
The AG's letter called the district's inaction a failure to protect students and said it 'shirks a school board's responsibility to keep kids safe.'
But advocates with Florida Freedom to Read argue parents already have tools to restrict access without banning books entirely.
'These are voluntary books. Every parent can set restrictions on their own child without impacting everybody else,' Ferrell added.
The group said Hillsborough County had a review process in place before new state laws like House Bill 1467 were passed and they believe this latest move is a warning to other districts.
'Hillsborough is meant to be a cautionary tale … a sacrificial lamb. 'We're going to come for you next if you don't take the same actions,'' Ferrell said.
In response, Hillsborough Superintendent Van Ayres confirmed the district removed the titles named in the state's letter, including 'Call Me By Your Name' and 'Jack of Hearts and Other Parts,' and is reviewing others.
Ayres says the district will update its policies ahead of the 2025–2026 school year, require annual collection plans from media specialists, and provide new training.
Since 2022, Hillsborough Schools say they have removed 389,037 books across the district. In a separate letter, the school board attorney said additional policy revisions are coming in the months ahead.
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