EveryLibrary Joins Activists, Authors, Librarians, and Students in Condemning South Carolina’s Book Bans

EveryLibrary, alongside the ACLU of South Carolina, Authors Against Book Bans, PEN America, author Ellen Hopkins, educators, librarians, students, and civil rights advocates, calls for an immediate end to the South Carolina Department of Education’s alarming statewide book bans.

A virtual press conference today highlighted opposition to Regulation 43.170, a sweeping policy enacted by Superintendent Ellen Weaver’s Department of Education. This regulation has already resulted in the South Carolina State Board of Education banning seven books across all public schools, regardless of grade level.


Watch the Press Conference on EveryLibrary’s YouTube Channel


South Carolina’s Board of Education is now poised to further escalate censorship with round two of its book removals. Regulation 43.170 imposes a blanket ban on books containing descriptions of “sexual conduct,” a vague standard that critics argue opens the door to widespread and unjustified bans. Already, the Board is considering restrictions on two additional books: the 8th-grade English textbook *HMH Into Literature* and Ellen Hopkins’s *Crank*, which could be limited to students with signed parental opt-in forms.

Ellen Hopkins, author of “Crank” spoke about the impact of her work on young readers, particularly its role in fostering understanding of drug addiction:

“Over the years, I’ve received thousands of messages from readers who credit *Crank* with helping them avoid a destructive path, understand a loved one’s addiction, or inspiring them to pursue careers as drug counselors or social workers. Many of these readers discovered my book in their school libraries or classrooms,” said Hopkins.

The press conference brought together voices from across the community. “Regulation 43.170 insults the students, parents, and educators of South Carolina,” said Josh Malkin, advocacy director at the ACLU of South Carolina. “It assumes students cannot think critically, that parents cannot make decisions for their own children, and that educators lack the expertise to guide young learners.”

Nicole Walker, a board member of South Carolina for Education, highlighted the racial undertones of recent bans:

“It is demoralizing for teachers to be treated as if they lack professionalism. It’s also telling that books such as *Bronx Masquerade* and *The House on Mango Street* are targeted—their apparent ‘crime’ being that they center the experiences of people of color.”


Sign the Petition to the South Carolina State Department of Education to "Stop the Purge of Library Books in South Carolina" by the Freedom to Read SC Coalition on Fight For The First.


EveryLibrary Executive Director John Chrastka emphasized the widespread opposition to censorship. “Poll after poll, including EveryLibrary Institute’s 2023 study, ‘Parent Perceptions of Librarianship,’ shows that most Americans trust librarians to select books that meet the needs of students. Book banners are out of step with the common-sense views of the majority of Americans, who value libraries as spaces for learning, growth, and access to ideas.”

Student voices were also at the forefront. Mary Ruff, vice president of the Beaufort High School DAYLO chapter, underscored the stakes:

“For students like me, who believe in the transformative power of books and Constitutional rights, the actions of the State Board of Education are a cautionary tale. But this story isn’t finished. With strong public support, we can write a better chapter that protects the freedom to read.”

Jamie Gregory, president of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, warned of the policy’s broader implications. “One practical effect of Regulation 43.170 is the de-professionalization of school librarians. This policy strips local control over instructional materials and centralizes authority with Superintendent Weaver and a select few. Despite our ongoing advocacy, our expertise and concerns continue to be ignored.”

Ellen Hopkins’s message was echoed by fellow author Elana K. Arnold, whose novel "Damsel" was banned statewide:

“Book bans harm the very young people they claim to protect. Literature equips readers with the language and insights to understand themselves and the world. Banning books robs readers of their agency and denies them the opportunity to engage with art and ideas on their own terms.”

EveryLibrary stands united with educators, librarians, students, and families in opposing South Carolina’s book bans. Regulation 43.170 is a direct attack on intellectual freedom, undermining the vital role of literature in education and society. Together, we will continue to advocate for the rights of students to read, learn, and grow freely.