Charleston, South Carolina, September 23, 2025
News Summary
The Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO), initiated by Kate Selvitelli, has expanded rapidly since its founding, advocating for literacy and fighting against book bans in schools. The organization, now over 50 members strong, engages in community service and promotes inclusive literature. Recent legislation has intensified their advocacy as they work to keep diverse perspectives accessible in school libraries. DAYLO’s efforts have gained national recognition, emphasizing the vital impact of literacy on empathy and understanding.
Charleston, South Carolina – The Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO), initiated by senior Kate Selvitelli at Academic Magnet High School, has grown from three members in its inception in 2022 to over 50 members, making it the largest of seven DAYLO chapters across South Carolina. As a student-led book club, DAYLO advocates for literacy and against book bans within educational institutions.
DAYLO’s primary objective is to promote literacy by ensuring that books remain available in school libraries, volunteering to read to younger students, and facilitating engaging book discussions among peers. The organization began in Beaufort County four years ago as a response to the removal of 97 books from local school libraries due to challenges regarding their content. Following a series of advocacy efforts, most of these challenged books were reinstated, though five titles were ultimately removed.
In February 2024, a new state regulation was approved that prohibits schools from carrying books with explicit sexual content. This legislative move prompted DAYLO to intensify its advocacy efforts across South Carolina. Members, including Selvitelli, publicly expressed their concerns about the regulation at a meeting of the state Board of Education.
The impact of the regulation was significant, resulting in the removal of 21 books from school libraries, while well-known classics such as “1984” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” were allowed to remain. Selvitelli highlighted the necessity of having inclusive books in school libraries, as they facilitate empathy by providing diverse perspectives to students.
Alongside their advocacy, DAYLO’s activities extend into community service. The club organizes monthly teddy bear picnics at the Port Royal Farmers Market, where they read to young children and distribute free books to foster a love for reading. Members from different chapters also contribute to local initiatives such as establishing Little Free Libraries and donating books to other schools.
Emily Alaia, the president of the Battery Creek High School chapter of DAYLO, voiced her frustrations regarding how book bans negatively affect students’ capacity to engage with various perspectives. Each of the chapters selects literature that spans a range of experiences, reinforcing the goal of cultivating empathy and understanding through reading.
Furthermore,DAYLO members advocate for increased student representation on book review committees to empower students to have a say in the materials made available to them. This advocacy work has garnered national recognition for Selvitelli, who received the Student Activist of the Year award from the National Education Association.
The number of students engaged in each DAYLO chapter varies, with approximately 50 members in the Academic Magnet chapter, around 20 in Beaufort, and about 15 in Greenville. The club promotes discussions that transcend traditional book club formats, emphasizing the significant impact literature can have on personal growth and community involvement.
Summary of DAYLO’s Activities
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2022 by Kate Selvitelli |
| Current Members | Over 50 |
| Number of Chapters | 7 across South Carolina |
| Primary Objective | Advocating for literacy and against book bans |
| Community Initiatives | Reading to children and establishing Little Free Libraries |
| Recognition | National Student Activist of the Year award |
FAQs
What is the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO)?
The Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO) is a student-led book club that promotes literacy and advocates against book bans within educational institutions.
When was DAYLO founded?
DAYLO was founded in 2022 by Kate Selvitelli at Academic Magnet High School.
How many members does DAYLO currently have?
DAYLO has grown to over 50 members, making it the largest of seven DAYLO chapters across South Carolina.
What does DAYLO do to promote literacy?
DAYLO promotes literacy by advocating for book availability in school libraries, volunteering to read to younger children, and facilitating book discussions.
What recent regulation affected book availability in South Carolina schools?
A regulation passed in February 2024 barred schools from carrying books with sexual content, leading to the removal of 21 books from school libraries.
How does DAYLO engage with the community?
DAYLO organizes community service activities such as monthly teddy bear picnics where they read to children and provide free books.
What recognition has Kate Selvitelli received for her work with DAYLO?
Kate Selvitelli received the National Student Activist of the Year award from the National Education Association.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kiese Laymon Hosts Storytelling Event in Beaufort
Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper: Student Advocate Against Book Bans
- Wikipedia: Book Banning
- Post and Courier: Opinion on Banned Books
- Google Search: Banned Books
- SC Daily Gazette: Students Advocate for Books
- Google Scholar: Book Bans Impact on Students
- Chapman Funeral: Claire M. Selvitelli Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Ban
- Charleston City Paper: 25th Anniversary of Hunley
- Google News: Charleston, 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.
