Gov. DeSantis says DCPS tried to create friction by removing books from libraries to review for law compliance [Video]

TAMPA – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday took aim at Duval County Public Schools as well as national and local media, saying some have created a “false narrative” surrounding the review or removal of controversial books from schools.

During a news conference in Tampa, DeSantis showed a five-minute video calling out “myths” he said were being reported. One of the myths, he claimed, is that Florida schools have been directed to “empty libraries” and “cover classroom books.”

Earlier this year, Duval County said it performed a mass review of all classroom libraries and media centers throughout the district after the Florida Department of Education handed down directives parallel to a new state law.

“The Florida Department of Education has trained all Florida schools districts to ‘err on the side of caution’ in determining if a book is developmentally appropriate for student use,” the district said in a blog post about the decision.

DeSantis said Wednesday that by reviewing a …