Opinion
By We the People
10-15-24
Who’s standing with Jinger Brinkley to keep obscene books out of our school libraries? One voice might be dismissed, but a community of voices can’t be ignored.
After two years of Nassau Citizens Defending Freedom (Nassau CDF) fighting to remove 34 inappropriate books, the Nassau County School District returned them to the shelves. When Jinger found out, she didn’t stay quiet. She immediately objected to 4 specific books that are obscene and need to be pulled now.
Jinger, as a parent, officially submitted her objection on Monday, September 16th. By Friday, September 20th, the News Leader published her name, calling her out as the parent challenging the returned books. It appears that Misty Mathis, reporting to Superintendent Burns, provided background on the lawsuit settlement and shared that Jinger had filed a new objection.
On October 3rd, Jinger addressed the Nassau Citizens Defending Freedom (Nassau CDF), speaking passionately about why these books should be removed from our schools. You can listen to her comments in this YouTube video. (23 minute video)
Here’s the thing: the Nassau County School District takes a parent’s objection more seriously than one from Nassau CDF. For example, on June 24, 2024, Nassau CDF identified and reported 22 more books in our school libraries that violate Florida’s obscenity laws for minors. These books encourage dangerous behavior, confusion, and acting out. One of these, Sold, includes explicit scenes of rape, prostitution, and graphic violence. The Nassau County School District has taken NO action. This particular book is in Yulee, Hilliard, West Nassau, Fernandina Beach high schools. (The Sold copy in Fernandina Beach Middle school is marked as “lost”.) Click the link above for excerpts if you want to see more about the book Sold and other books submitted in June.
Jinger is one parent taking a stand, but if other parents join her, we have a real shot at stopping the Media Specialists, Superintendent, and School Board from keeping this garbage in our school libraries. Let’s focus on real education, not this nonsense.
Ready to take action? Click this link to easily send an email to school leadership. Customize the email as you see fit. Please be respectful and on point – remove the obscene books.
If you want to connect with other parents and interested citizens, we are meeting this Thursday, October 17th to review the situation. Attend if you have any interest in finding out more or getting involved in any way. Parents especially welcome! If you just want to talk, call or text 470-295-4365 or submit a request through the Nassau CDF tip line.
JACK KNOCKE, County Executive Director, Nassau County, Florida 470.295.4365 | [email protected] |
The views expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Citizens Journal Florida