News Summary
Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai has requested the banning of ten additional books from South Carolina public schools, following her earlier challenge of 97 titles. The upcoming review by the South Carolina Instructional Materials Review Committee is set for March 10, with potential total bans reaching 21 books. Critics argue that the vague regulation regarding ‘sexual conduct’ in educational materials creates confusion. This move adds to the growing list of banned books, now totaling 11 in state schools.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai, a local resident, has initiated a request for the potential banning of ten additional books from public schools in South Carolina. This comes following her earlier attempt to challenge 97 books at the district level.
The South Carolina Instructional Materials Review Committee is scheduled to review the ten contested books on March 10 at 1 p.m. A decision will be made by the state’s 15-member board later. If approved, the total number of books banned could reach 21.
According to Regulation 43-170, public schools can ban books if they include descriptions or visual depictions of sexual conduct. Szalai’s previous efforts resulted in the banning of four books in January, marking a noteworthy victory for her campaign.
A significant aspect of this process is that local school district officials did not respond to Szalai’s prior challenges within the required 90-day window, leading to intervention at the state level.
The current list of ten books under review includes:
- “Collateral” by Ellen Hopkins
- “Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas
- “Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- “Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover
- “Identical” by Ellen Hopkins
- “Kingdom of Ash” by Sarah J. Maas
- “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo
- “Living Dead Girl” by Elizabeth Scott
- “Lucky” by Alice Sebold
- “Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins
With the recent developments, the total number of banned books in South Carolina public schools has now reached 11. The official banned titles include:
- “Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky
- “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson
- “Flamer” by Mike Curato
- “Push” by Sapphire
- “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
- “Damsel” by Elana Arnold
- “Ugly Love” by Colleen Hoover
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas (including multiple titles)
On February 4, the South Carolina Board of Education voted to ban four previously contested books, contributing to the total count of banned titles. Parents can challenge up to five books monthly in public school libraries, promoting accountability in educational content.
Critics of the regulation argue that its language is vague, creating confusion over what constitutes “sexual conduct” in educational materials. Decisions on book bans will take into account descriptions of sexual content found within the literature.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Carolina Board of Education Bans Four Books
Beaufort County’s Book Ban Controversy: Community Insights
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South Carolina High Court Bans Use of Public Funds for Private School Tuition in Landmark Decision
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: Book bans in SC
- Wikipedia: Book banning
- WISTV: SC Board of Education book removals
- Google Search: book bans South Carolina
- Island Packet: Education article on book bans
- Google Scholar: book bans education
- WACH: Freedom to read bill against book bans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Censorship
- WCCB Charlotte: Teachers feeling censored
- Google News: south carolina book ban
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
