The Berkeley County School Board has temporarily suspended its policies on the review of instructional materials in favor of the state Department of Education’s recently released draft regulations.
The state’s guidance imposes tighter restrictions on materials allowed in school libraries. The reforms seek to require school libraries to provide instructional material that is “age and developmentally appropriate, educationally suitable and aligned with the purpose of South Carolina’s instructional program.”
Berkeley’s change follows the formation of book review committees after one parent requested reviews of 93 books. The challenged books included several titles that right-wing activist groups like Moms For Liberty have targeted in other parts of the state, including The Kite Runner, which was targeted for censorship last year in Beaufort County Schools, and Gabi: A Girl in Pieces, which was previously challenged in Horry County.
BCSD board chair Mac McQuillin added an amendment to the resolution at the Dec. 4 meeting, which allows Superintendent Anthony Dixon or his designee to review any challenged books. If Dixon or the designee deem the book inappropriate, it is not removed from shelves. But a student checking out that book would then need parental permission.
This amendment is only temporary, McQuillin reportedly said, as the district waits to see whether the state’s regulations become law. Those proposed regulations are expected to go before the General Assembly next year before the 2024-25 school year.
In other recent headlines:
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Mount Pleasant inches toward hate crime ordinance. Two ordinances aimed at enhancing penalties for hate crimes in Mount Pleasant are one step closer to becoming official.
North Charleston development plans could transform area 30 years after losing naval base. Developers say the former Navy base in North Charleston will bring thousands of residences, businesses and jobs as part of a new city center.
Proposed CARTA facility at Charleston-area fairgrounds sparks controversy. Representatives of the Coastal Carolina Fair are voicing their concerns about Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority’s plans to build a park-and-ride facility at the fairgrounds.
Dorchester Co.’s Richardson wants to be sheriff. Chief Deputy Sam Richardson described the challenges and priorities he believes the sheriff’s office faces, including school safety, addressing the opioid crisis, the rising homeless population and scams that target the elderly.
James Island tree becomes center of community worry. A petition with about 1,300 signatures is calling for the removal of an old oak near Riverland Drive on James Island, but some fear cutting it down will cause more harm than good.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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