Our Mission
Freedom to Read SC is a statewide coalition that works to defeat unconstitutional efforts to ban books from school and public libraries. Book bans are in direct violation of the First Amendment, which guarantees all Americans the right to access information and the freedom to read without censorship.
We exist to protect the ability of students, families, educators, and communities across South Carolina to explore ideas, encounter diverse perspectives, and make their own informed choices about what they read.
Libraries and schools play a vital role in a democratic society. They are places where people learn, question, and grow. Efforts to remove books based on political pressure or ideological disagreement undermine that role and restrict access to knowledge for everyone.
When books are challenged or removed without due process, professional standards, or constitutional grounding, the harm extends beyond a single title. Censorship limits educational opportunity, erodes trust in public institutions, and threatens the fundamental freedoms that bind our communities together.
Freedom to Read SC works to ensure that decisions about access to books and information are guided by law, expertise, and respect for individual rights—not fear or misinformation.
Our Values
The First Amendment
We believe the freedom to read is a core First Amendment right. Access to information and ideas—without government censorship—is essential to a free and open society.
Intellectual Freedom
Every person has the right to read, learn, and think for themselves. No individual or group should decide what others are allowed to read.
Professional Judgment
Educators and librarians are trained professionals. Decisions about collections, curriculum, and access to materials should be made using established standards, not political pressure or intimidation.
Equity and Inclusion
Books reflecting diverse identities, histories, and experiences matter. All readers deserve to see themselves represented and to learn about lives different from their own.
Community Engagement
Strong communities are built through informed, respectful dialogue. We support constructive civic participation and lawful processes when concerns arise.
Transparency and Accountability
Challenges to books must follow clear, fair, and lawful procedures. Transparency protects both individual rights and public institutions.
Our Commitment
Freedom to Read SC is committed to defending the right of every South Carolinian to access information freely and without censorship. We believe that protecting the freedom to read protects democracy itself.