How Fahrenheit 451 is Taking Over Florida’s Public Schools and Universities
Governor De Santis' dystopian education policies threaten democracy and critical thinking. The GOP Presidential front-runner is advancing a dangerous agenda under the guise of "parental rights".
By Gianna Formica
IN MY 10TH-GRADE ENGLISH CLASS, I read Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” with my peers in Broward County, Florida. Our teacher wanted to emphasize the risks of excessive government control and how the absence of a holistic education can destroy a society. We were amazed at how dystopian the book was. It talked about a community where books were outlawed — with people being barred from thinking critically.
At the time, I could not comprehend how banning books and restricting certain educational topics could possibly happen in the 21st century, especially in a democracy. Now, a few years later in my 20s, I am seeing a variation of Fahrenheit 451 play out in my home state.
This past April, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Stop W.O.K.E” Act, which restricts lessons on diversity and inclusion, specifically discussions on oppression and privilege in public K-12 classrooms — and criticizes Critical Race Theory as a form of hate. He also signed House Bill 1467 which mandates that books must be vetted by a “media specialist” in all Florida K-12 public schools.
This was branded as a way to protect children from pornography and promote parental rights, but it is having other consequences. In Manatee County, teachers are so afraid of being charged with a crime that they have covered all of their classroom books with construction paper. Given DeSantis’ past remarks on race and diversity education, it is not a surprise to see teachers become paranoid about promoting any books related to race, diversity, and inclusion.
Furthermore, last month, the front-runner for the 2024 GOP primaries, sent a letter to the College Board rejecting an AP African-American Studies course in Florida high schools, citing the “Stop W.O.K.E” Act. Many high school students and educators have voiced their concerns against this.
De Santis’ relentless effort to control and influence the education system is also on display across colleges and universities. Just days ago, he announced a plan to ban diversity and inclusion courses at post-secondary institutions, equating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs to discrimination — and instead, recommended mandating courses on Western civilization.
Through all of these latest debates, the arguments from DeSantis have been clear —this is to protect children from indoctrination, promote a framework of freedom, and advocate for parental rights. But while that may sound good in theory, it is having negative consequences on educators and students, and dividing conservatives and progressives even further.
Teaching students about racial disparities in the United States is not indoctrination. Such is an attempt to examine the historical truth based on hundreds of years of data and evidence. It seems as if DeSantis is ashamed of this history, and does not want students to learn about it.
DeSantis is hiding behind the guise of “parental rights” to advance a dangerous agenda. He says he is protecting children from harm. But in reality, he is undermining education on race and diversity, causing anxiety among educators. Instead of promoting the values of diversity, he is using the culture war to exert more control in classrooms. But isn’t this exactly what Republicans claim to stand against — government overreach? In Florida, the GOP’s all-star poster boy is the one leading the charge.
DeSantis is in fact threatening the freedom of young adults by trying to control their education. Universities should foster critical thinking and diverse perspectives —including those that certain students, educators, or governments may not agree with. But now, students may be forced to study about Western civilization and miss out on important courses about race, diversity, and inclusion.
The irony of promoting freedom is not lost on us. Unfortunately, universities are being pressured by the state, who partially funds them, causing fear and a lack of independence in their curriculum choices.
If DeSantis is already banning and rejecting these DEI initiatives, Floridians need to ask themselves where the buck stops. So far, he is only getting more and more radical — there is clearly no more middle ground. Maybe it is a hyperbole to say that Florida will end up like the Fahrenheit 451 society — but imagine a society where students are not allowed to read specific historical books on race, but are mandated to take Western civilization courses.
Imagine a society where teachers are hiding their books and afraid to do their jobs. Does that not sound dystopian? Ultimately, the role of public policy in this scenario is crucial, as it has the power to shape the education system and promote or hinder democratic values. The government’s actions to control education in Florida raises serious questions about the effects on democracy and freedom of speech, and serve as a warning of the potential dangers of government overreach in the education sector.
Gianna Formica is the Chief Editor of The Bell Newsletter. She is a Master of Public Policy Candidate at the Max Bell School at McGill University. Her interests lie in global affairs and political communication.
Very good article. See also Patti Waldmeir's item on US public libraries (she's focused in the Chicago area), in today's Financial Times. Librarians fear not just for their jobs, but for their physical safety.