Beaufort, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina has become the state with the most book bans, restricting 22 titles from public schools. In Beaufort County, nine titles require parental permission for students to access. Despite this, records show these books had fewer than 70 checkouts in three years, sparking debates over freedom of speech and access to literature. Activism within the community is growing as students and parents challenge these restrictions, emphasizing the importance of diverse reading materials in education.
Beaufort, South Carolina – South Carolina leads the nation in book bans with a total of 22 titles restricted from all public school classrooms and libraries. This situation has garnered significant attention as numerous titles are now restricted across various districts, impacting students’ access to literature.
In Beaufort County, nine books have been restricted in public school libraries, requiring students to secure permission slips from home to access them. Data shows that, over a three-year period, these nine restricted titles were checked out fewer than 70 times across the district’s schools, highlighting a low level of interest among students. Most of the checkouts occurred at Bluffton High School, which accounted for 51 out of the total 67 checkouts. Despite serving nearly 21,000 students, only five out of 32 schools within the district borrowed the restricted titles during the relevant timeframe, which spanned from August 1, 2022, to June 1, 2025, coinciding with the ongoing book ban controversy in Beaufort County.
Key Details About the Book Restrictions
- The restricted books include popular titles such as “Thirteen Reasons Why” and “The Bluest Eye.”
- The Beaufort County Board of Education’s decision to restrict the nine books marks its first action under South Carolina’s Regulation 43-170.
- A single parent has driven more than half of the complaints leading to the statewide book bans.
- Parents can submit up to five complaints per month if they have attempted to resolve their concerns with the school or district staff.
- While the nine restricted titles can still be found in high school and middle school libraries, parental permission is now required for students to check them out.
- The motion to restrict the books received 9 votes in favor and 2 votes against during a recent Beaufort County school board meeting.
Impact of Book Availability
Previous instances of book removals, driven by low circulation rates, have demonstrated that making such titles available does not necessarily encourage widespread reading among students. Additionally, the school district currently lacks records on how many times the 21 additional books banned at the state level were checked out, further complicating the discussion about access to diverse literature.
Community Response and Activism
The restrictions on these books have ignited a broader conversation about freedom of speech and student agency regarding reading material in educational environments. Activism among students and community members is ongoing, as they challenge the bans and advocate for greater access to diverse literature. This effort has been amplified through community initiatives, including screenings of documentaries that highlight student activism against book bans.
As these discussions continue to unfold, they serve as a focal point for debates surrounding educational freedom and the role of literature in fostering critical thinking and empathy among students.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are banned in South Carolina?
South Carolina has 22 books banned from all public school classrooms and libraries, making it the national leader in book bans.
What is required for students to access restricted books in Beaufort County?
Nine books are now restricted in Beaufort County public school libraries, requiring students to obtain permission slips from home to access them.
How many times were the restricted titles checked out in Beaufort County?
Over the past three years, the nine restricted titles were checked out fewer than 70 times across the district’s schools.
Which school accounted for most of the checkouts?
Most of the checkouts occurred at Bluffton High School, which accounted for 51 out of 67 total checkouts.
Who has driven the complaints leading to the book bans?
A single parent in Beaufort County has driven more than half of the complaints leading to the statewide book bans.
Key Features of Book Bans in South Carolina
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State Leader in Book Bans | 22 titles banned from public schools |
| Restricted Titles in Beaufort County | 9 titles requiring parental permission |
| Total Checkouts of Restricted Titles | Fewer than 70 across three years |
| Most Active School | Bluffton High School with 51 checkouts |
| Community Activism | Ongoing efforts for access to diverse literature |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Becomes Leader in US Book Bans
Beaufort County School Board Implements Parental Approval for Books
Beaufort County Board Discusses Challenge of Library Books
Beaufort Community Meeting Addresses Challenged Books
Beaufort County to Discuss Challenges on Library Books
Beaufort County School District to Discuss Book Censorship Controversy
Beaufort County Announces Community Engagement Events
Controversial Policy Revisions at Beaufort County School Board Meeting
Controversy Over Book Bans in Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort Hosts Free Legal Empowerment Class
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Beaufort Book Bans
- Wikipedia: Book Banning
- WTOC: Beaufort Book Restrictions
- Google Search: Beaufort County book bans
- Live 5 News: Banned Together Documentary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Freedom of Speech
- WSAV: Additional Book Ban Requests in Beaufort
- Google Scholar: Educational Freedom
- Island Packet: Education News in Beaufort
- Google News: South Carolina Education News
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
