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Flagler County deputies say school library book claimed to be 'pornographic' does not violate any laws

The book has been banned in 10 counties across the nation.

BUNNELL, Fla. — UPDATE: Flagler County deputies say library book claimed to be 'pornographic' does not violate any laws

Flagler County deputies have found no violations warranting a criminal investigation into a book found within the school district's library system that has been criticized for being pornographic and obscene.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office says on Nov. 9, deputies received a complaint by Flagler County School Board Member Jill Wool bright, about a book titled “All Boys Aren’t Blue” being available in some Flagler County school media centers alleging the book was technically pornography under Florida law. 

The book has also been criticized for being obscene, including topics such as sex, sexual assault and consent.

Woolbright alleged two chapters of the book discuss sexually explicit material and it should not be available to children in violation of Florida law. Deputies say she believed it was a crime to have the book in media centers due to the descriptive content and that Flagler County School media centers or employees should be held criminally accountable.

FCSO found no evidence suggesting the book was purchased outside the normal procedures established by the Flagler County School Board. Deputies say the availability of the book to students also does not meet the elements of a crime under Florida law.

“As indicated by our investigators’ review of this particular case, this complaint does not rise to the level of criminal activity,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “The Sheriff’s Office does not determine what material is appropriate for the students of Flagler County. The Board’s policies and practices permitted the purchase and circulation of the book in question."

The publication itself is geared toward the LGBTQ+ community. George M. Johnson, the author behind the novel, said people misinterpret their writing as pornography. Flagler Students, however, responded to the complaint with a rally against censorship. 

Students argued that "All Boys Aren't Blue" has material that is geared toward the LGBTQ+ community and is a 'coming-of-age' story that many underrepresented populations can identify with.

The book is not part of any school curriculum. 

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