Free to Be Florida (FTB) is a statewide network of parents, teachers, students, and public interest organizations who believe Florida’s children deserve a safe learning environment free from government overreach and censorship.
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 in the fight against educational censorship in Florida and send a message that we are Free to Be.
FTB 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..
The FTB network believes that Florida should empower our youth to learn, grow and live without the government forcefully restricting their First Amendment rights and academic freedom. FTB 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.
The FTB Network 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, the FTB Network seeks to support, grow and galvanize efforts to protect public education.
Specifically, the FTB Network preserves time and space for FTB members to share their work, provide assistance and resources, and mobilize state-wide strategies. The FTB Network is also working together to create the first annual summit gathering all Floridians together to rally in community and show the current Florida government of 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 fill out this form.
All Floridians should be Free to Be.
Please note that all strategies, work, and statements by members of the FTB Network are their own and do not represent PEN America or any other member of the FTB Network.