News Summary
The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against South Carolina’s education department over book censorship policies affecting public schools.
Columbia, South Carolina – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina has initiated legal action against State Superintendent Ellen Weaver, filing a lawsuit on October 7, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. This lawsuit seeks to challenge controversial regulations regarding book censorship and educational content in public schools.
The ACLU’s lawsuit represents the South Carolina Association of School Librarians and three public school students, including a 17-year-old from the Charleston County School District, referred to as D.R., and two unnamed siblings aged 16 and 14 from the Greenville County School District. The core of the lawsuit takes aim at Regulation 43-170, which prohibits materials depicting “sexual conduct” in K-12 schools, a rule that was enacted in June 2024.
Since the implementation of Regulation 43-170, South Carolina has emerged as a leader in the nation for banned books, resulting in the exclusion or limitation of 22 specific titles from educational institutions. Some notable examples of the prohibited books include “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson, “Flamer” by Mike Curato, and “Normal People” by Sally Rooney. Additionally, the lawsuit challenges a memorandum issued by Weaver on March 14, 2025, which restricts educational content on crucial topics such as “implicit bias,” “restorative justice,” and “social-emotional learning.”
The ACLU posits that the vague language of Regulation 43-170 has bred confusion among school staff regarding which materials are acceptable within the classroom setting. This uncertainty has purportedly fostered a “climate of fear,” leading to the preemptive removal of numerous books by librarians anxious about potential repercussions. The lawsuit claims that these policies infringe upon students’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, effectively limiting their access to diverse viewpoints and educational resources.
Tenley Middleton, the president of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians, highlighted the critical role of intellectual freedom in education. Advocates from the ACLU emphasize the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education but argue against the blanket banning of books for all students. The organization asserts that local interpretations of the regulations have curtailed the diversity of materials available in school libraries significantly.
Concerns have also been raised regarding the possibility of career implications for teachers and librarians who do not comply with the stringent guidelines set forth by Regulation 43-170 and the associated memo. The ACLU contends this could have deleterious effects on educational environments, as educators may feel compelled to self-censor and avoid discussing pertinent contemporary issues.
Dylan Rhyne, one of the students involved in the lawsuit, has expressed hope that the legal proceedings could help restore a safe and welcoming atmosphere in schools across South Carolina. The ACLU posits that access to a variety of educational resources is vital for fostering critical thinking and informed citizenship among students.
The ongoing lawsuit reflects broader national conversations regarding censorship and educational policies in public schools as various states grapple with similar challenges to the balance between parental rights and students’ freedoms. As the suit unfolds, its outcome could have significant implications for educational practices and the availability of diverse literature within state institutions.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
ACLU Files Lawsuit Against South Carolina Education Regulations
Greenville Community Faces Conflict Over LGBTQ Library Access
Minors and Parents Challenge Book Restrictions in Greenville County
South Carolina Committee Recommends Removal of Seven Books from Schools
South Carolina Committee Reviews School Book Regulations
Greenville Library’s Controversial Decision to Move Transgender-Themed Books to Adult Section
Greenville library relocates all books with transgender themes to adult section
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online: ACLU Files Lawsuit Against SC Superintendent
- Wikipedia: Book banning
- WSAV: Lawsuit Filed in Response to SC Book Ban Decision
- Google Search: School Censorship Lawsuit
- Live 5 News: ACLU Files Suit Against SC Superintendent
- Google Scholar: Book Censorship Education
- Charleston City Paper: Activists File Book Ban Lawsuit Against SC Superintendent
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Censorship
- WSPA: SC Public School Librarians and Students File Lawsuit to Block Book Ban
- Google News: South Carolina Book Ban
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
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