JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Debate unfolded Tuesday night outside and inside Duval County Public Schools headquarters, as dozens of parents, students, and advocates rallied against proposed changes to the district’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and ongoing book bans in classrooms.

Chants of “Whose classrooms? Our classrooms! Whose Florida? Our Florida!” echoed outside the building as demonstrators called on the school board to reject the removal of DEI language from board policies.

DCPS sent a statement to First Coast News regarding the protest:

Duval County Public Schools supports the constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations. This group shared their plans with the district earlier this month, and we will coordinate with them to ensure a peaceful gathering.

While the DEI rollback and book ban issues were not officially on the board’s agenda, they dominated the public comment period.

Many families expressed outrage and deep concern over what they see as a threat to inclusive education and student rights.

Back in April, the U.S. Department of Education announced that local school districts must comply with federal non-discrimination requirements, which include the DEI ban.

Despite this, parents at Tuesday’s meeting said they are worried about the district’s direction and the potential impact on students.

“We’re here to remind the board they were elected to represent every child and every family in this community,” one parent said.

During the meeting, one community member addressed the board, saying, “Learning about things that make us uncomfortable is okay. Sometimes the truth hurts, but washing our history books clean of rugged and difficult past truths is suppressing our future leaders. Shame on all of you. Shame on you. When people on this board talk about people they deem different from them, they refer to mental health. But what I saw on this board today—I believe all of you could benefit from some mental health services.”

Despite strong opposition, at least one speaker praised the board for considering the removal of DEI language and certain books from classrooms.

“I applaud them once again for looking after our children’s mental health and protecting themselves from their own immaturity. By deselecting books like ‘Identical’ for school use, the board understands that safety for our children goes beyond the physical. Psychological, social, and developmental safety is also paramount,” the woman said.

A district spokesperson told First Coast News last month that discussions on these policies are still in the early stages and nothing has been finalized. The next Duval County School Board meeting is scheduled for July 15.