Universal Orlando said Tuesday that it has decided to pull the six Dr. Seuss books that will no longer be published from its shelves and is evaluating other changes that could be made. The books — including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo” — will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author’s legacy said Tuesday.“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday.Universal Orlando’s Island of Adventure features a children’s area called Seuss Landing. One of the controversial books, “If I Ran a Zoo,” is featured at Seuss Landing, and Universal said on Tuesday that it is looking into possible changes to its in-park experience. A Universal spokesman told WESH 2 News “…we value our relationship with Seuss Enterprises. We’ve removed the books from our shelves as they have asked and we’ll be evaluating our in-park experience too.”Additionally, Orange County Public Schools officials made the following statement: “Today, the district was made aware that Dr. Seuss Enterprises decided to no longer publish six titles in their catalogue. In light of that decision, OCPS will be reviewing our media center collections. Literature is one of many ways that children learn how to relate to other people, and OCPS is committed to ensuring the books we share in our libraries honor all people and cultures.As we celebrate Read Across America Day, sponsored by the National Educational Association, our teachers are leading a wide variety of student activities that celebrate the importance and fun of reading.”
Universal Orlando said Tuesday that it has decided to pull the six Dr. Seuss books that will no longer be published from its shelves and is evaluating other changes that could be made.
The books — including “And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street” and “If I Ran the Zoo” — will stop being published because of racist and insensitive imagery, the business that preserves and protects the author’s legacy said Tuesday.
“These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong,” Dr. Seuss Enterprises told The Associated Press in a statement that coincided with the late author and illustrator’s birthday.
Universal Orlando’s Island of Adventure features a children’s area called Seuss Landing.
One of the controversial books, “If I Ran a Zoo,” is featured at Seuss Landing, and Universal said on Tuesday that it is looking into possible changes to its in-park experience.
A Universal spokesman told WESH 2 News “…we value our relationship with Seuss Enterprises. We’ve removed the books from our shelves as they have asked and we’ll be evaluating our in-park experience too.”
Additionally, Orange County Public Schools officials made the following statement:
“Today, the district was made aware that Dr. Seuss Enterprises decided to no longer publish six titles in their catalogue. In light of that decision, OCPS will be reviewing our media center collections. Literature is one of many ways that children learn how to relate to other people, and OCPS is committed to ensuring the books we share in our libraries honor all people and cultures.
As we celebrate Read Across America Day, sponsored by the National Educational Association, our teachers are leading a wide variety of student activities that celebrate the importance and fun of reading.”