United Voices Network
Floridians are currently experiencing multiple attacks on their First Amendment rights and academic freedom. Now more than ever, it is essential for Floridians to unite with one voice in the fight against educational censorship in Florida and send a message that we are free to learn, free to read and free to be.
The United Voices Network (UVN), formerly known as Free to Be Florida, seeks to end educational censorship in Florida, particularly efforts targeting Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ communities; build a support network to counter censorship strategies; effectuate state-wide anti-censorship strategies; and include as well as uplift the voices of impacted communities and the grassroots movement fighting for Florida’s democracy.
UVN believes that Florida should empower our youth to learn, grow and live without the government forcefully restricting their First Amendment rights and academic freedom. UVN understands that all students deserve to learn in a space where they are free to be themselves; where all chapters of our nation’s history are taught – the good, bad, and ugly.
UVN includes and serves to support the individuals and organizations across the state who are mobilizing against educational censorship. Whether it’s showing up at local school board meetings or at the state Capitol, UVN members work together to grow and galvanize efforts to protect public education in Florida.
Specifically, UVN preserves time and space for members to share their work, provide assistance and resources, and mobilize state-wide strategies. UVN is also working together to create annual programming across the state and to host an annual United Voices Summit gathering all Floridians together to rally in community and show Florida leadership the power in our unity to end censorship and discrimination and make sure all children in Florida have the freedom to learn, read, and be themselves.
If you would like to join this statewide effort, please contact us at [email protected].
Please note that all strategies, work, and statements by members of the United Voices Network are their own and do not represent PEN America or any other member of the United Voice Network.
The Book Ban Fight: From Stories to Strategy
Censorship is reaching unprecedented levels across Florida. Books are being pulled from classrooms and libraries, educators are being silenced, and students are being denied the right to read and think freely. Florida has become the testing ground for these efforts — and the fight back must start here.
The Book Ban Fight: From Stories to Strategy, a one-day convening in Orlando, is designed to strengthen our coalition, map the threats, and build the tools we need to resist.
2024 Unified Voices Summit
“Thank you for not giving up on Florida”: A rallying cry at the Unified Voices Summit in Orlando
Summer 2024, superheroes of education and civic engagement turned out by the hundreds in Orlando to stand against Gov. DeSantis and other elected leaders who are censoring and suppressing basic rights in Florida, taking every opportunity to put the squeeze on freedoms we once took for granted — what we want to read, say, teach, learn, believe, be, and more!). Read more >>