‘Romeo and Juliet’ banned from Florida school district — due to sexual content
09.08.2023 - 15:57
/ nypost.com
will no longer be permitted to read many of Shakespeare’s plays in full — due to sexual content.The decision is in accordance with the 2022 Parental Rights in Education Act, according to the board. The act, recently signed into law by Gov.
Ron DeSantis, prohibits any discussion that is of sexual nature in the classroom unless it pertains to a standard, such as health class. “It was also in consideration of the law,” school district spokeswoman Tanya Arja told the Tampa Bay Times.
The Post reached out to the school district for comment. The district stated that should a teacher fail to adhere to the new guidelines, they could be subject to a parent complaint or a disciplinary case at their school.Previously, English classes within the district required students to read at least two novels or plays over the course of the school year.
Now, students will read one novel and excerpts from five to seven different books or plays.“We need to make sure our students are prepared with enough material during the year so they will be prepared for their assessments,” continued Arja, adding that by staying with excerpts, the school can avoid racy or sexual content. Alongside “Romeo and Juliet,” Hillsborough has decided to censor parts of “Macbeth” and “Hamlet.”According to the district, none of the Bard’s plays have been banned outright and should a student wish to read the play in its entirety, there are certain ways to procure a copy.
Several school board members and teachers reported that they were unaware of the changes until recently. “I am extremely disappointed that the majority of our legislators and the Governor’s hand-appointed Department of Education are not being reflective of “parental rights” and are ramming through
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