'Reprehensible' and 'disgraceful': House Democrat scorches GOP book bans and 'Parental Bill of Rights'

'Reprehensible' and 'disgraceful': House Democrat scorches GOP book bans and 'Parental Bill of Rights'
Bank

Far-right pundits at Fox News and Newsmax TV have had a lot to say about "cancel culture" and "woke" progressives they claim are trying to shut down conservatives they disagree with. And many Democrats, in response, have stressed that it is far-right MAGA Republicans — including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — who are trying to abolish, from public schools, books with gay or African-American themes that offend them. DeSantis has drawn criticism for banning an advance placement course on Black studies from Florida high schools.

One of the Democrats who is speaking out is Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts). During a Thursday, March 23 speech on the U.S. House floor, McGovern slammed Republicans for pushing book bans in the name of a "Parental Bill of Rights." And he noted that a Florida teacher was "fired for exposing a book-banning spree at the hands of Ron DeSantis that would make the Chinese Communist Party blush."

"Now, I have a few books that Republicans want to ban — too many to go through," the 63-year-old McGovern told fellow House members. "But let me recite a few."

READ MORE:'They didn’t block AP European History': WH press secretary blasts DeSantis for banning class on African American History

McGovern, who described book bans as "reprehensible" and "disgraceful," went on to cite Kathleen Connors' "The Life of Rosa Parks," Kadir Nelson's "Nelson Mandela" and a book on gay rights activist Harvey Milk as specific examples of books that have come under fire from MAGA Republicans.

The Massachusetts Democrat told House members, "Now, do you notice any pattern here? They want to ban books about Black and brown people, and they want to ban books about LGBTQI+ people. It is sick. It is hateful."

Addressing House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-California), McGovern added, "What is wrong with them, Mr. Speaker? If you don't like a book, don't let your kid read it. But you don't get to tell the rest of us parents what our kids should be allowed to read. Talk to your kids' teachers. Run for school board. But don't take away money from schools that fall down on the wrong side of the MAGA culture wars."

Watch below or at this link.

READ MORE: 'Censorial filters are unconstitutional': DeSantis' aim to control FL colleges' academic freedom worsens

Understand the importance of honest news ?

So do we.

The past year has been the most arduous of our lives. The Covid-19 pandemic continues to be catastrophic not only to our health - mental and physical - but also to the stability of millions of people. For all of us independent news organizations, it’s no exception.

We’ve covered everything thrown at us this past year and will continue to do so with your support. We’ve always understood the importance of calling out corruption, regardless of political affiliation.

We need your support in this difficult time. Every reader contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference in allowing our newsroom to bring you the stories that matter, at a time when being informed is more important than ever. Invest with us.

Make a one-time contribution to Alternet All Access , or click here to become a subscriber . Thank you.

Click to donate by check .

DonateDonate by credit card
Donate by Paypal
{{ post.roar_specific_data.api_data.analytics }}
@2024 - AlterNet Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. - "Poynter" fonts provided by fontsempire.com.