CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — An online article is sparking controversy in Charlotte County. The website, ‘Popular Information,’ claims all school libraries are being stripped of books with LGBTQ+ themes. 

Charlotte County Public Schools confirmed that this is grossly inaccurate.

“We have never ordered librarians to purge LGBTQ+ books,” CCSO Public Information Officer Claudette Smith said.

State statute requires all K-8 classrooms to be free from any books that would be considered: pornographic, sexually explicit or overall inappropriate for the student’s age range. The district said that’s all they’re looking for during these book reviews. They say the claim that they’re targeting the LGBTQ+ community is flat-out wrong.

The article includes several quotes the author attributes to new Superintendent Mark Vianello.

“Those statements he’s attributing to Superintendent Mark Vianello are not statements from him. They are not direct quotes,” Smith explained. 

She said the only difference between Charlotte County Schools and other districts is that media centers are considered classrooms since librarians provide grades for special rotations.

“Our district prides itself on inclusivity and the success of all students. We want all students to be able to be successful and advance in learning and education,” Smith stated.

“Under state law, it’s very prescribed the procedures each school district and school board must follow when they select instructional materials and that includes books,” said Jennifer Sughre, a professor at FGCU’s College of Education. 

Smith shared that LGBTQ+ material is accessible in high schools. If you’re concerned about what kids are reading, she suggests making your voice heard.

“Now is the time to get involved. If you have an opinion, we want to hear it. We welcome you to attend the focus groups, take the survey,” Smith said.

You can find the link to that information here. 

Hal Trejo, the founder of Charlotte County’s All Rainbow and Allied Youth, read the article. They said everyone needs transparency and clarity as we work to grasp the new guidelines. 

“To truly build a society that is successful where people can live and reach their full potential, we need to have access to all information on all families and experiences,” Trejo said. “We also know that when schools are affirming and have things like fully supported GSA and inclusive materials that teach about all families and all experiences that, that actively lowers the rate of LGBTQ+ suicides.”