MEDIA ADVISORY
Journalists: Please RSVP in advance to attend by contacting Suzanne Trimel, [email protected].
(ST. AUGUSTINE, FL)— On Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 2:00 p.m., PEN America Florida, the Florida Freedom to Read Project, Families for Strong Public Schools and a coalition of concerned citizens in St. Johns County will host a press conference addressing the state-sponsored censorship campaign that has led to hundreds of books removed from public schools without review or community input, in violation of state law.
The press conference will take place at St. Johns River State College, following the State Board of Education meeting at the same location. Speakers will include Director of PEN America Florida William Johnson; bestselling author Kristen Arnett (Mostly Dead Things), and librarian Julie Miller, featured in the celebrated recent Kim A. Snyder documentary, The Librarians.
The State Board of Education in collaboration with the Attorney General launched this campaign against Hillsborough County earlier this summer, leading to 600 titles being pulled from Hillsborough public schools. At least nine other counties have removed books in turn, motivated by fear that they may be targeted next.
DETAILS
What: Press conference on latest wave of book bans spreading through Florida spurred by the State Board of Education
Where: St. Johns River State College 2990 College Dr., outside Building J, Room J-149
When: Wed., Aug. 20, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Who: Speakers are: Director of PEN America Florida William Johnson; bestselling author Kristen Arnett (Mostly Dead Things), and librarian Julie Miller featured in the documentary, The Librarians.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.