South Carolina Librarians Face Increased Pressure from Book Bans

News Summary

Librarians in South Carolina are grappling with stringent new regulations that enforce book bans in public schools. With new laws indicating that learning materials must be age-appropriate and educationally suitable, many librarians are preemptively removing books to avoid backlash. The evolving landscape of censorship raises questions about educational freedom and the impact on students’ access to diverse literature. As the situation develops, the future of library services in the state hangs in the balance, leaving both educators and students uncertain about the availability of materials.

South Carolina Librarians Under Pressure as Book Bans Become More Stringent

In the charming state of South Carolina, libraries at public schools are facing some serious new challenges. With 2024 just around the corner, new regulations are putting librarians like Ayanna Mayes at Chapin High School in a bit of a tight spot. Mayes, who is all about broadening her students’ horizons through books, has been taking action to dodge the possible fallout from recently enforced book bans.

Since last year, Mayes has been removing certain books from the library, opting for a smoother path instead of dealing with the hassle of having to retrieve them from students who might find themselves in hot water for having checked them out. Unfortunately, this is becoming a familiar story across the state as a wave of book bans sweeps through schools. The South Carolina State Board of Education gained the power last year to enforce prohibitions on books, which has librarians scrambling to adjust to a new norm.

Books Censored: Where’s the Line?

In December 2023, the Lexington-Richland 5 school board made headlines when they voted to remove the *Court of Thorns and Roses* fantasy series by Sarah J. Maas from district schools, disregarding a prior recommendation from a review committee that had deemed it suitable. This type of back-and-forth only adds to the complexity of an already tricky environment for educators and those in library services.

What makes things more interesting (or concerning, depending on how you look at it) is the new regulations put forth by state education Superintendent Ellen Weaver. Under these rules, learning materials must not only be “age and developmentally appropriate” but also “educationally suitable.” These stringent guidelines create a uniform ban that applies to all schools, ignoring the individual student’s age or grade level. So far this academic year, a total of 11 books have been officially banned, with another 10 titles on the chopping block for review next month. How do librarians navigate this uncharted territory?

The Chilling Effect on Personal Choices

Librarians are understandably feeling a *chilling effect* from these changes. Critics argue that this new regime is, in fact, a form of censorship that instills fear among educators when it comes to choosing suitable materials for their students. The result? Many librarians are doubting their own judgment and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to ensure their selections won’t trigger an avalanche of complaints.

The increased workload is notable, as librarians now find themselves constantly second-guessing their collections. Notable titles such as *All Boys Aren’t Blue*, *Flamer*, *Push*, and *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* have been flagged and subsequently banned. To sidestep trouble, librarians like Erin Parker from Irmo High School have made the hard decision to pull books pre-emptively—without any formal challenges in place!

Confusion & Ambiguity Reign

One frustrating aspect of the new restrictions is the vagueness around what constitutes “sexual conduct.” This ambiguity makes it really tough for educators to comply with regulations. Even seemingly classic literature, like *1984*, which contains controversial contents, is still being kept in shelves, raising eyebrows about the selection process.

The procedures for handling parental complaints about certain titles have also transformed. Now, parents need to read the material first before they can even raise a challenge. This new rule has altered how school districts manage their book purchasing and selection processes, pushing librarians to extensively review materials to avoid potential backlash.

Future in Question

In February, a new piece of legislation called the *Freedom to Read Protections and Respect for School Library Media Specialist Autonomy Act* was introduced to help combat this issue. This act aims to bolster librarians’ authority in deciding what books to include in their collections while clarifying the requirements for challenging materials.

Librarians are hopeful for better communication with parents regarding any concerns about materials before escalating issues to a higher authority. However, it’s evident that the current atmosphere is marked by caution and anxiety, fundamentally altering librarians’ approaches to collection development and literacy programs.

As the South Carolina Department of Education gears up to implement these regulations this fall, many educators are left wondering: how will this impact our students’ educational experiences? Will this create a culture where questions go unasked and curiosity remains unquenched? The evolution of library services in South Carolina is a story still unfolding.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

University of South Carolina Students Oppose Anti-DEI Legislation
South Carolina Libraries Face Controversy Over Book Removals
Controversy Erupts Over Book Bans in South Carolina Schools

Additional Resources

• The State
• Book Riot
• Greenville Online
• WLTX
• SC Daily Gazette
• Wikipedia: Book Banning in the United States