Graphic Adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary Removed from Florida School Library Amid Content Concerns

Vero Beach, Florida – "Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation" has been removed from the library at Vero Beach High School in Indian River County, Florida, following complaints regarding its content. The decision, stemming from concerns raised by the parental advocacy group Moms for Liberty, cited sexually explicit material and an alleged minimization of Holocaust education themes. The original "Diary of Anne Frank" remains available in school libraries across the district.

The book, adapted by Ari Folman and illustrated by David Polonsky, was challenged for including illustrations depicting Anne Frank's sexual curiosity, such as a scene where she asks a friend to expose themselves and another showing her walking among nude statues. Jennifer Pippin, chairwoman of the Indian River County chapter of Moms for Liberty, stated, "We think true history absolutely needs to be taught, the Holocaust, the Anne Frank diary," but argued the graphic adaptation contained inappropriate visual content.

District officials, including Dr. Kyra Schafte, director of academic compliance and equity, confirmed the removal, noting that "the content did not promote behaviors we would want our students to have access to." The school determined that some portions of the graphic adaptation did not adequately contribute to the themes of Holocaust education, leading to its removal. The passages in question, detailing Anne's personal reflections on sexuality, are present in her original diary, but their visual depiction in the adaptation became the focal point of the controversy.

The removal is part of a broader trend of book challenges in Florida, influenced by new state policies and legislation aimed at regulating educational materials. The tweet by user "...ŵггиа...🏴 СУАТ" highlighted the distinction, stating, "Correction: It was the book titled 'Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation' that was removed from the student library for being too sexually graphic and minimized the actual horrors of the Holocaust. The original 'Diary of Anne Frank' is still in all the schools." The tweet further accused critics of using "Switch and Bait, tactics to discredit their opposition."

Moms for Liberty has clarified that their objection is specifically to this graphic adaptation, not to Anne Frank's original diary, which they acknowledge as a crucial historical document. The group, along with district officials, emphasized that Holocaust education remains a priority, and numerous other resources on the topic are still accessible to students. This incident underscores ongoing debates regarding age-appropriateness, historical representation, and parental rights in educational content within the state.