Beaufort, South Carolina, August 22, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Board of Education will hold a public meeting to discuss challenges to nine library books. The meeting will allow public commentary as concerns rise over book bans in the area, currently affecting 22 titles. This initiative stems from new state guidelines, prompting parents to voice concerns and critics to address censorship issues. The outcome of the meeting is anticipated to significantly impact access to literature for students in the district.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The Beaufort County Board of Education is set to hold a public meeting on August 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. to challenge nine library books. The meeting will be accessible to the public in both in-person and virtual formats. Participants will have the opportunity to voice their opinions regarding the challenged titles, with each individual allowed up to three minutes to speak per book. The Board chair will announce the specific titles during the meeting and outline the schedule for public comments.
The board is responding to recent guidelines from the South Carolina Department of Education concerning the review process for materials deemed potentially inappropriate under Regulation 43-170. This regulation mandates a public review and a formal vote on instructional material complaints that contain sexual content descriptions. Parents or guardians may file up to five complaints per month following attempts to resolve these concerns with school staff.
Currently, Beaufort County has 22 banned books, which positions South Carolina as the leader in the nation for book bans. Recent calls for removal have included 15 additional books, notably including the popular title “Thirteen Reasons Why.” This significant number of challenges has prompted heightened scrutiny over the school district’s local oversight regarding book challenges, particularly as complaints from a single individual, Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai, have fueled ongoing debates about access to literature for students.
In addition to discussing the challenged books, other agenda items for the meeting will include a review of the school district’s procedure for introducing new curriculum and an update on the annual work plan for fiscal year 2025-2026. Notably, the board did not vote on the new challenges during recent meetings but has been continually addressing the implications of book removals.
The current wave of book bans has raised concerns among critics, who argue that these actions disproportionately limit representation and diverse voices in literature. Further complicating the situation are the diverse perspectives among supporters and opponents of the bans; while advocates claim they protect students from inappropriate content, opponents highlight issues of censorship and the ambiguity of the laws behind such removals.
Despite the ongoing discussions and the impending public meeting, the Beaufort County School Board has not formally responded to the South Carolina Department of Education’s inquiries and has so far avoided re-votes on previously reviewed titles. This has led to criticism surrounding the transparency of the district’s handling of book challenges.
As statewide and national trends in book banning continue to evolve, the outcomes of the upcoming meeting will draw significant interest from parents, educators, and activists concerned about the future of access to literature in schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date and time of the Beaufort County Board of Education meeting?
The meeting will take place on August 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
How can the public participate in the meeting?
The meeting will be available for in-person attendance as well as virtually, allowing public comments in-person or via phone at 843-322-2441.
How many books are currently banned in Beaufort County?
Currently, there are 22 banned books in Beaufort County Schools.
Who filed the majority of complaints related to book challenges this year?
Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai has filed the majority of complaints regarding book challenges this year.
What are some examples of the books that have been challenged?
Recently challenged titles include “The Bluest Eye,” “The Kite Runner,” and “The Freedom Writers Diary.”
Key Features of the Beaufort County School District Meeting
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | August 22, 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 a.m. |
| Location | In-person and Virtual |
| Public Comment Duration | 3 minutes per title |
| Books Challenged | 9 library books |
| Current Banned Books | 22 books |
| Regulation | Regulation 43-170 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Community Meeting Addresses Challenged Books
Beaufort County to Discuss Challenges on Library Books
Beaufort County School District to Discuss Book Censorship Controversy
Controversy Over Book Bans in Beaufort, South Carolina
Beaufort County School District Prepares for New School Year
Charleston Screening of ‘Banned Together’ Sparks Debate
Public School Book Bans Surge in South Carolina
South Carolina Leads Nation in Banned Books Count
Additional Resources
- WTOC: 9 Library Books to be Challenged at Upcoming Beaufort Board of Education Meeting
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Schools Considering Change to Book Review Process
- The State: Opinion on Book Bans
- Your Island News: 4 More Books Banned from SC Public School Libraries
- WSAV: Beaufort County Schools Considering Change to Book Review Process
- Wikipedia: Book Banning
- Google Search: Beaufort County School Board book challenges
- Google Scholar: Book Banning in Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Banning
- Google News: Book Bans in South Carolina
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.
