Librarians and Students File Federal Lawsuit Over SC School Book Bans

South Carolina librarians and high school students from Greenville and Charleston counties have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s school book ban regulation, arguing it violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments.

According to reporting by the Post and Courier, the lawsuit targets State Superintendent Ellen Weaver and Greenville County Schools, contending that Regulation 43-170 is overly broad, inconsistently applied, and has created a chilling effect on educators responsible for curating school library collections.

The regulation requires removal of materials containing “sexual content,” language critics say is vague and subjective. Since its implementation, 21 books have been removed statewide, and one requires parental permission. In Greenville County alone, 46 titles have reportedly been taken off shelves in anticipation of potential complaints .

The lawsuit also raises concerns about broader impacts, including canceled book fairs, restrictions on digital resources such as DISCUS, and limitations on student access to public library e-collections through platforms like SORA.

Among the plaintiffs are students who say they were prevented from accessing books such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, one of the titles banned statewide.

The case argues that the regulation undermines students’ educational opportunities and removes professional discretion from trained school librarians.

Freedom to Read SC continues to monitor developments and stands with students, educators, and librarians advocating for lawful, transparent policies that respect constitutional protections.

Read the full Post and Courier report →
https://www.postandcourier.com/education-lab/librarians-sue-sc-sup-greenville-schools-book-bans/article_d9115763-2d3f-4806-8f15-fccb4a40233a.html