TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- A new report claims Hillsborough County Schools pulled more books from its shelves than any other district in Florida. But district leaders said the report doesn't tell the full story.

The free-speech group PEN America released its latest index of school book bans for the 2024–2025 school year.

The report ranks Hillsborough County second in the nation for removing school library books, with more than 600 titles listed as removed during the last school year.

Statewide, the report found 2,304 book removals across Florida schools, more than any other state.

Hillsborough County School District officials dispute the numbers.

A spokesperson told News Channel 8 that only 59 books have been permanently removed from school media centers. The higher number, according to sp

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