The Fight for Literary Freedom: South Carolina’s Latest Battle Over Book Bans

On Tuesday, February 3, 2025, the South Carolina Board of Education met for its monthly session, facing yet another contentious debate on book removals from public schools. At the center of the discussion were Flamer, Push, All Boys Aren’t Blue, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Despite having multiple testimonies in favor of keeping these books accessible to the public, the board ultimately voted to remove them, with only two members dissenting.

While the SC Board of Education asserted that this decision is not a "ban" but rather a regulatory measure, many can argue that it infringes upon First Amendment rights and disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, particularly LGBTQIA+ youth. Robert Cathcart, policy and legal advisor at the South Carolina Department of Education, presented excerpts from each book that, according to the state, contained "sexual content that was developmentally inappropriate for children." He maintained that the removals were "viewpoint neutral," solely based on whether a book included descriptions of sexual conduct, as outlined in Regulation 43-170, which is a policy enforced by SC State Superintendent Ellen Weaver.

Under this regulation, concerned citizens can file complaints about books in public school libraries and classrooms by submitting forms to the Instructional Materials Review Committee (IMRC). Parents or guardians may challenge up to five books per calendar month, provided they make a good-faith effort to discuss concerns with school district staff beforehand. The regulation bans instructional materials that include descriptions or depictions of sexual conduct deemed not "age and developmentally appropriate."

As a result, the IMRC recommended that the four books be removed from public school shelves, stating they violated the regulation; The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson, Flamer by Mike Curato and Push by Sapphire. However, two books called Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes and House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros were retained.  

This is not the first instance of book removals in South Carolina. In 2024 alone, seven books were banned from the SC state’s schools; A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas, Damsel by Elana Arnold, Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover and Normal People by Sally Rooney.

This hearing is ultimately one critical example of how these book bans necessitate a holistic, community-driven response. The removal of literature that centers on LGBTQIA+ identities and other marginalized experiences disproportionately affects students who already struggle to see themselves represented in mainstream narratives. Education has historically been a tool for liberation, especially for communities facing systemic oppression. At the intersection of this, Women, Indigenous and Native American communities, Black and Brown individuals, immigrants, and other marginalized groups have also long fought for equitable educational access. Silencing their stories undermines this progress and denies students the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives.

Organizations such as Families Against Book Bans (FABB) and the South Carolina ACLU are mobilizing to defend literary freedom across the state. By fostering partnerships between advocacy groups, educators, and faith-based communities, a broader interfaith coalition can push back against censorship and champion inclusive education. Community education efforts, such as hosting interfaith discussions, book clubs, and public events, can help raise awareness about the importance of diverse literature. 

We must work together to ensure that students have access to books that foster empathy, understanding, and critical thinking. Trusting the expertise of librarians and educators while allowing parents to decide what is appropriate for their own children, not for others’, is key to maintaining intellectual freedom. By resisting censorship and promoting communal care, South Carolinians and all people united across faiths, beliefs, and backgrounds can ensure that all students have the freedom to learn, grow, and thrive. This is not just a battle for books; it is a fight for the soul of education, the integrity of democracy, and the sacred duty to uphold justice for future generations. 

Kennedy Perry is currently an Organizing Intern at Interfaith Alliance.