The War on Books and Teachers in Florida
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In this episode, Karen talks with Michael, a former teacher in Florida. He discusses the challenges and restrictions faced by educators in the state's education system.
He highlights the laws that have constrained teachers' ability to teach and the restrictions on books and interactions with transgender students.
Michael shares his personal experience of having his classroom library books vetted and the subsequent removal of unvetted books from his classroom.
He explains the chilling effect on teachers and the targeted attack on public education. Despite the challenges, Michael remains committed to advocating for teachers and public education.
Michael discusses the importance of youth activism and the role young adults play in making positive changes in the world and shares his optimism about the younger generation's willingness to take action and make a difference.
Additional resources pertaining to this episode provided by Michael:
(if the links are not live from your podcast platform, you may have to view them on the Defense of Democracy's podcast webpage).
Link to Michael's letter of resignation. It also includes the video footage of my empty classroom.
My Letter of Resignation – Mr. Andoscia’s Classroom (mrandosciasclassroom.net)
Michael's personal project is called The Mad Sociologist Blog. Here is the video of Michael's books covered for open house.
A School Open House Without Books – The Mad Sociologist Blog
Michael's interview with the local NBC2 affiliate. It also shows the pile of books in his garage.
It’s Been a Helluva Month! – The Mad Sociologist Blog
This was an article in the Fort Myers News Press
[Fort Myers News Press] My Story Above the Fold – The Mad Sociologist Blog
This links to an essay Michael wrote for Perspectives on History before all of this stuff kicked off!
[Perspectives on History] A School Without Books – The Mad Sociologist Blog
Michael's Projects:
The main project is the Mad Sociologist Blog.
The Mad Sociologist Blog – For the Madness that is Sociology
The second project is called Dangerous Knowledge. It was designed for this very issue.
Dangerous Knowledge – This website kills fascism! (dangerous-knowledge.com)
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65 episodes