News Summary
South Carolina has become the national leader in public school book bans, removing 22 titles statewide. A local parent has spearheaded numerous challenges, including against popular titles like ‘Thirteen Reasons Why.’ The Beaufort County School District faces requests to ban an additional 15 titles, while critics of the state’s Regulation 43-170 argue it restricts access to diverse educational materials. A school board meeting on August 5 may lead to significant changes in how book challenges are managed, reflecting a growing concern over censorship in education.
Beaufort, South Carolina – South Carolina has recently established itself as the national leader in public school book bans, having removed 22 titles from classrooms and libraries statewide. The latest developments include a series of challenges led by a local parent, Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai, who has been instrumental in advocating for the removal of numerous books, including the popular young adult novel “Thirteen Reasons Why”.
The Beaufort County School District is currently facing requests to ban an additional 15 titles, bringing the total number of challenged books in the area to alarming levels. A scheduled school board meeting will address a communication from the South Carolina Department of Education regarding Regulation 43-170, which outlines the process for reviewing and voting on objections to instructional materials deemed inappropriate.
According to Regulation 43-170, local school districts must publicly review and vote on challenges to educational content that includes descriptions or images of sexual conduct. This policy allows parents to submit up to five formal complaints each month regarding educational materials used in schools.
The Beaufort County School District has indicated that it believes previously reviewed and banned books should not be subjected to additional voting processes. Instead, the district may opt to forward complaints directly to the state department, a decision that could significantly impact how book challenges are handled moving forward. As the board meets on August 5, there is potential for substantial changes in how the district approaches these requests.
Out of the 22 books that have been banned statewide, Szalai has challenged 14. The titles on the current list span a wide array of genres and themes, reflecting diverse voices and experiences. Some of the recently targeted books include:
- “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
- “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison
- “The Freedom Writers Diary” by Erin Gruwell
- “Sold” by Patricia McCormick
- “Like a Love Story” by Abdi Nazemian
- “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen
- “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold
- “The Black Flamingo” by Dean Atta
- “Skin” by Donna Jo Napoli
- “Tilt” by Ellen Hopkins
- “The Duff” by Kody Keplinger
- “The Infinite Moment of Us” by Lauren Myracle
- “Shine” by Lauren Myracle
- “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein
- “The Carnival at Bray” by Jessie Ann Foley
Critics of Regulation 43-170 argue that its vague language restricts access to valuable educational material for students. Advocacy groups, such as Families Against Book Bans and the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization, are calling for increased transparency in the book ban process and for pathways to restore previously banned titles. As of recent reports, no books are currently under state review.
This unfolding situation has generated significant anxiety among educators in South Carolina, as tighter regulations and greater scrutiny over educational materials contribute to a climate of fear, prompting self-censorship in schools. Many of the recently banned titles showcase diverse perspectives, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC narratives, highlighting the implications of these censorship efforts.
The state board now exerts considerable authority over book bans, shifting the decision-making power away from local school boards. Notably, the state board’s decisions may be made without reviewing the challenged books, which raises concerns about the depth of understanding regarding the materials they choose to ban. A legislative bill aimed at promoting student access to a broader range of reading materials is currently under review in the South Carolina House, but its future remains uncertain.
The next critical board meeting on August 5 will likely shape the future of educational content in Beaufort County schools and reflect wider trends in educational freedom and censorship across South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Sparklight Grants Funding for STEM Education at Beaufort Academy
Beaufort County Schools Achieve Educational Advancements
South Carolina Leads Nation in Banned Books Count
Beaufort County Schools Propose $17 Million Budget Increase
South Carolina Leads Nation in Public School Book Bans
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South Carolina Leads Nation in School Book Bans
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Book Bans in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Book Banning
- The State: Recent Developments in SC Book Bans
- Google Search: South Carolina book bans
- Greenville Online: SC Book Removals
- Google Scholar: Educational Censorship in Schools
- WRDW: SC Leads Nation in Book Bans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Censorship
- ABC News: National Leadership in Book Bans
- 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.
