Amanda S. C. Gorman Inaugural Poem Banned From Florida Public Schools

Bob Graham Education Center in Miami, Florida has become the latest school to ban reading materials from elementary level students in the state. The latest casualty is Amanda S.C. Gorman’s “The Hill We Climb. Gorman became The first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017. She went on to attend Harvard University, and deliver a poem at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration. The poem contains references to several diverse communities in the United States, including Gorman’s own Black American heritage.

The ban comes after months of restrictive education reform from Governor Ron DeSantis’ desk. What began as the highly controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill has rapidly spiraled into a national debate on parental rights in public education. The initial bill prohibited any LGBTQ+ inclusive content from being shown in elementary schools. This has now expanded into nude art, including Michelangelo’s David, and now, critical race theory. The latter of which is likely what is responsible for the ban of Gorman’s poem.

In the midst of the educational bans, several states have additionally moved forward to pass bans on drag performances taking place “anywhere a minor can see them” and restricting gender affirming healthcare for minors.  Many argue that the bans are becoming too restrictive, while some still voice support for Governor DeSantis’ increasingly conservative views.

Others point to the hypocrisy of the school district’s argument. In their attempt to “preserve free speech”, they wind up curtailing the free speech of others. Several parents from the school that banned Gorman’s poem have espoused far-right views on social media.

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Online Reactions

Others are asking onlookers to watch Gorman’s live reading of the poem for further introspection. The poem encourages unity, unlike the division it was accused of.

Additionally, some point to this increase in censorship as a reason for Gen Z’s continued activism. Should many of these restrictive bills pass, Gen Alpha may be the first generation in decades to be taught a sanitized version of American history and contemporary politics.

One teacher explained the ramifications that the bans could have for young students of color.

Government Response

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced his intent to ban the poem just ahead of tomorrow’s Twitter spaces event, in which he allegedly plans to announce his 2024 presidential bid. The ban felt even more targeted with this information, given that Gorman’s poem was read during a Democratic president’s inauguration.

Gorman responded to the ban on Instagram, reiterating the importance of unity and sharing an image of the complaint that led to the ban. The poet encouraged readers to donate to Pen America, which protects writers’ freedoms in the U.S. Her statement was shared via Instagram @amandascgorman.

The poet was met with support from several celebrities in the comments, including actress and activist Sophia Bush. There has been no further comment from other local Florida politicians regarding the ban at this time.

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