Claim: A Florida school “banned” Amanda Gorman’s poem from President Biden’s inauguration.
Who said it: The Associated Press, Politico, The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Axios, MSNBC, The Daily Mail, The New York Post, The New York Daily News, The Boston Globe, The New Republic, Sky News, People, Variety, Jezebel, and others.
Context: Here’s what really happened. A parent at Bob Graham Elementary School in Miami Lakes requested a review of Gorman’s poem and several books about Cuba. The school materials review committee concluded that Gorman’s poem and all but one of the books were “better suited” for middle school students. Gorman’s poem will remain in the middle school section of the library but won’t be kept in the elementary school section.
Analysis: Journalists and Democratic activists are spreading misinformation by using the word “ban” to generate outrage and raise money. This is an existential threat to American democracy.
Verdict: We rate this claim 4 Flaming Clintons (for being blatantly false) and 4 Crying Washingtons (for imperiling democracy with misinformation).
Why Misinformation Matters
Misinformation can lead to confusion and distrust in institutions.
It can also cause harm to individuals and communities.
Journalists and activists have a responsibility to report the truth and avoid spreading misinformation.
Let’s work together to combat misinformation and protect American democracy.
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