removing rear rotors from my 2003 explorer

You have the drum in hat assembly( or hat in drum, forgot how they called it), which is the E-brakes sitting inside the rotors. You need to turn the adjusting star on the back of the rotor assembly so the e-brakes can retract thus clearing the rotor so you can pull them out. Its a similiar setup to the old drum brakes. Usually you need just a screwdriver to stick into the back slot to turn the star.

I just finished replacing a rear rotor on my '01 Explorer and did have difficulty getting the old rotor off even after completely releasing the pressure on the e-brake pads with the starwheel. I banged on the old rotor (it needed to be replaced anyway) with a standard hammer using a thin block of wood to protect the lugs (in case I missed). I just rapped it fairly strongly in a star pattern and after 3 or 4 go arounds, it slipped right off.

With a big hammer :-)

They are probably rusted onto the hub Try a lot of wd40 where the rotor meets the hub try 2 pry bars and wiggle them from side toside or 1 on one side and tapping CAREFULLY outwards on the edge of the rotor on the other side Its very unlikely the p-brake shoes is holding it on,its not a Chevy !!!