Racial Controversy Erupts: Amanda Gorman's Poem Removed from Elementary School, Raises Questions of Censorship and Bias

In a Miami-Dade County public school, the acclaimed poem written by the talented Amanda Gorman for President Joe Biden's inauguration has become the center of a racial controversy. Prompted by a parent's feedback, the district made the decision to relocate the poem from the elementary section, stirring discussions about racial bias and censorship. Documents obtained by the Florida Freedom to Read Project revealed a mix-up in the author/publisher listing, but the school ensured that the concerns were addressed with care.

The parent who lodged the complaint expressed their belief that Gorman's poem, titled "The Hill We Climb," lacked educational value and could inadvertently convey negative messages. They raised concerns about potential confusion and the potential for indoctrination among students. This parent also objected to other literary works, including "Love to Langston," a poetry-based biography of renowned Black poet Langston Hughes, "The ABCs of Black History," and books about Cuba. These objections suggest a broader concern about the content being taught.

Following a thorough review by a materials-review panel, the school decided not to remove the books entirely but instead moved the Gorman poem and two other disputed items to the library's middle school section, catering to grades six through eight. The minutes from the committee meeting, obtained by a nonprofit organization, shed light on the decision-making process.

It is crucial to note that the removal of the poem stems from the enforcement of a Florida law that mandates book approvals in classrooms and grants parents the right to voice concerns about specific works. Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, a Republican with aspirations for the presidency, Florida has employed this law and others related to "parental rights" to ban materials discussing LGBTQ issues, social justice, and even mathematics textbooks. Unfortunately, Gorman's powerful and thought-provoking poem has become one of the casualties of this legislation.

Gorman herself expressed deep disappointment with the district's decision, describing herself as "gutted" by it. In her statement, she emphasized that she wrote "The Hill We Climb" to provide all young people with the opportunity to see themselves in a historic moment. Since its delivery, Gorman has received countless letters and videos from inspired children who have been motivated to write their own poems. She firmly believes that denying children the chance to find their voices through literature constitutes a violation of their right to free thought and free speech.

In a show of unwavering support, the mayor of Miami-Dade County extended a warm invitation to Gorman for a reading. Through a public message, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava commended Gorman's poem for inspiring youth to actively participate in shaping the future and the government. The mayor eagerly awaits Gorman's response to coordinate the visit.

Regarding inquiries, Elmo Lugo, the spokesperson for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, clarified that no literature, including books or poems, has been banned or removed. Lugo explained that the school determined that "The Hill We Climb" would be better suited for middle school students and thus placed it in the middle school section of the media center, while ensuring its availability for all in the media center.

Lugo did not directly address the authenticity of the complaint documents released by the Florida Freedom to Read Project. However, he assured that the district would treat the request as a formal public records inquiry, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing concerns of racial bias and censorship.