Totally Star-Crossed
A Valley Girl version of Romeo and Juliet as absurd and unnecessary as the Florida Shakespeare ban
They tried to shut down the Bard?!
The “Don’t Say Gay” law is being used to ban Shakespeare from schools across Florida
Totally Star-Crossed
This isn't just some, like, random perversion of Shakespeare. Beneath the layers of, um, totally unnecessary slang lies a powerful political statement. By crafting a parody as audacious as the ban itself, this rebel hope to highlight the absurdity of censorship and to remind us all that literature – even the centuries-old kind – should never be stifled. You see, this book came to life as, like, a total response to that totally unnecessary ban on Shakespeare in some Florida school districts. Can you even imagine? Totally not cool!
A portion of all sales will be donated to persons or groups positioned to overturn the Don’t Say Gay Bill and/or any Shakespeare bans
An Open Letter Advocating for Inclusive Education
August 2023
I wanted to take a moment to provide context around my decision to highlight the Shakespeare ban in Florida with the publication of Totally Star-Crossed. My intention is not to overshadow or minimize the alarming issues our education system is facing, far from it. The challenges we're witnessing are numerous and deeply concerning, stretching far beyond a single decision.
The litany of actions being perpetuated in the Florida school system – from targeting black history and hurtful curriculum requirements to controversial content approvals – is alarming, to say the least. The attempts to stifle open discourse on subjects like gender, sexuality, and historical injustices are distressing and disheartening. Specifically of alarm are the facts that:
The governor rejected AP African American Studies curriculum, saying it was "significantly" lacking in educational value.
Florida has approved the use of PragerU materials, which includes content such as an animated Christopher Columbus stating that slavery was “no big deal” and “being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no?" and a video denouncing feminism as a "mean-spirited, small minded and oppressive philosophy."
Florida’s new social studies guidelines requires teachers to advise that “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”
The governor has banned the teaching of critical race theory in all Florida schools.
Florida has banned the teaching of gender identity and sexual orientation through 12th grade.
Florida students now need signed parental permission to be called a nickname.
Florida has banned diversity and inclusion programs at public, postsecondary institutions.
Florida has been noted as the only “do not travel” state in the U.S. for trans persons due to safety concerns.
The NAACP also issued a Florida travel advisory, noting the state is “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.”
LULAC, one of the most prominent Latino advocacy groups in the U.S., has also urged people to avoid traveling to Florida.
The House is considering House Bill 1069, the “Don’t Say Periods” bill, which would prevent the discussion of menstruation until middle school (this would have been 3 years too late for me).
In addition to Shakespeare, counties are banning books like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Brave New World by Aldous Huxley, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
In shedding light on the Shakespeare ban, I hoped to utilize a tangible example to ignite conversation and awareness. However, I want to be unequivocally clear that my focus does not indicate a lack of concern about the broader issues that continue to unfold across Florida.
Each and every one of these decisions has a profound impact on students' experiences, shaping their perspectives and limiting their growth in a diverse world. My intention is to ensure that all of us are fully aware of the scope of the challenges we face.
As a community, we must acknowledge and address these multifaceted concerns head-on. I invite you to join me in fostering discussions around the numerous issues plaguing our education system. By engaging in open dialogue and advocating for positive change, we can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all students and turn the tide on increasing governmental overreach.
We cannot afford to be silent observers any further. Use your voices and your vote and help oust from office in the next election every single person on board with the policies that have created this reality—from your local school board to the governor’s chair itself—these types of actions can no longer be tolerated.
Best,
Kate