Story by: Mauricia Brown 

More than 100 books about race, gender and sexual identity have been banned in Duval County Public School this year, according to PEN America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to literature, free expression and human rights.  

The books were removed in accordance with HB 1467, which was signed into law by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. The law stated that “school principals are responsible for overseeing compliance with school library media center materials selection procedures at the school in which they are assigned.”   

904WARD, a Jacksonville nonprofit, partnered with Yellow House to install public bookcases called Little Free Diverse Libraries across the city. Those shelves are stocked with books for both students and adults and aim to highlight narratives, authors of color and other diversity-related topics.  

904WARD works to create racial healing and equity through deep conversations and learning, trusting relationships and collective actions.  Inside Jacksonville spoke with the nonprofit’s staff about their perspective on book banning. 

For a full list of banned books in Duval County, according to PEN America, visit here.