DeSantis cites Miami-Dade Public Schools’ “The Hill We Climb” scandal 2023

Governor Ron DeSantis discussed the recent controversy surrounding a poetry book in a Miami-Dade County Public Schools library during the official launch of his 2024 White House campaign.

The book, “The Hill We Climb,” remained in the middle school collection of a library after a parent of a student lodged a complaint in March, stating that it contained “hate messages,” indoctrination, and caused confusion.

“They moved it from the elementary school library to the middle school library,” DeSantis stated during a Twitter Spaces event with Elon Musk on Wednesday evening.

Daily Salinas’s complaint prompted a review made possible by DeSantis’ Parental Rights in Education law, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” law. DeSantis stated there were false rumors that the book had been prohibited.

“It was determined that this particular book was more suitable for middle school,” DeSantis explained of the restriction.

In her complaint, Salinas of Miami Lakes stated that the foreword was written by Oprah Winfrey. The poem was written by Amanda Gorman, who performed it at the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Salinas also expressed displeasure with “Countries in the News: Cuba” by Kieran Walsh, “Cuban Kids” by George Ancona, “The ABCs of Black History” by Rio Cortez, and “Love to Langston” by Tony Medina.

Listen to DeSantis discuss allegations of book prohibitions.

“The entire book ban controversy is a hoax,” said DeSantis. Not a single publication has been prohibited in the state of Florida.

According to DeSantis, parents can purchase any book they desire, but due to the law, they can also block books at schools and evaluate the curriculum to determine what books are being used in schools and to ensure that they are age- and developmentally-appropriate.

“Parents have flagged books in schools that, for instance, teach middle school students how to use sex apps and provide graphic depictions of sex acts and sex toys for people as young as fifth grade,” DeSantis said.