Charleston, South Carolina, September 26, 2025

News Summary

Students in Charleston, South Carolina are actively opposing book bans through the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO). With Kate Selvitelli at the helm, DAYLO has rapidly grown to over 50 members, making it the largest chapter in the state. The organization promotes literacy and inclusivity while advocating for diverse literature in schools. As regulations against certain types of content emerge, DAYLO’s activism has garnered national attention, emphasizing the importance of accessible literature for all students.

Charleston, South Carolina

Students in South Carolina are taking a stand against book bans, spearheading a movement focused on diversity and literacy through the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO). Led by Kate Selvitelli, a senior at Academic Magnet High School in Charleston County, the organization has grown rapidly, starting with just three members in 2023 and expanding to over 50 members by summer 2024. This growth makes the Charleston chapter the largest of the seven DAYLO chapters across the state.

DAYLO is committed to promoting literacy, advocating for the inclusion of diverse literature in school libraries, volunteering to read to younger children, and facilitating discussions on various literary works. While the organization’s core focus is on opposing book bans, Selvitelli emphasizes thatDAYLO also fosters friendship and inclusivity among its members.

The original version of DAYLO emerged in Beaufort County, South Carolina, four years ago, in response to increasing challenges against a total of 97 book titles. Currently, the Beaufort chapter consists of about 20 members, while the Greenville chapter has around 15. Recently, new chapters opened in Columbia, further expanding the organization’s reach. DAYLO has garnered national attention for its activism against book censorship.

Members of DAYLO routinely speak at public meetings of school boards, voicing their concerns over stringent regulations on book availability. Notably, in February 2024, a South Carolina regulation passed that bans books containing sexual content in K-12 schools. This regulation has fueled DAYLO’s advocacy efforts, resulting in further engagement from students statewide.

In recognition of her activism, Selvitelli has received the National Education Association’s award for Student Activist of the Year and the Riley Award from the South Carolina Education Association.

Among the books discussed by DAYLO in their monthly reading selections are several that have been banned, including “All Boys Are Blue,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” and “The Hate U Give.” While some well-known classics, like “1984” and “To Kill a Mockingbird,” remain available in schools, others have recently been placed under requirements for parental permission.

DAYLO also engages in community outreach by reading stories at local farmers’ markets and organizing book drives aimed at promoting literacy beyond the classroom. The increased organization of conservative groups in South Carolina plays a significant role in the challenges to these literary works, with rising concerns about content related to race, gender, and sexual identities.

Students participating in DAYLO express their frustration regarding the need to defend their rights to read books that encourage understanding and empathy related to diverse experiences. The organization motivates students to come together, amplifying their voices against censorship while underscoring the importance of literature in education.

Selvitelli and fellow members advocate for exposure to diverse perspectives through literature, believing it is crucial for fostering empathy and connection among students. They highlight the need for their perspectives to be included in decisions related to education and access to literature that represents varied experiences.

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HERE Resources

DAYLO Advocates for Literacy and Against Book Bans in South Carolina
Beaufort Hosts Free Legal Empowerment Class
Public School Book Bans Surge in South Carolina
South Carolina Leads in Nationwide Book Bans
South Carolina Leads Nation in Banned Books Count
South Carolina Leads Nation in Public School Book Bans

Additional Resources

• South Carolina Daily Gazette
• Wikipedia: Book Banning
• Charleston City Paper
• Google Search: Book Ban Activism South Carolina
• Post and Courier
• Google Scholar: Book Bans in Schools
• EdSurge
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Bans History
• WCNC News
• Google News: South Carolina Book Bans
• Post and Courier – Beaufort County

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

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