Students in Beaufort Lead Charge Against Book Bans and Censorship

Beaufort: A Story of Activism and Change

In the charming town of Beaufort, South Carolina, a group of passionate students has turned the tide in a battle against book bans and censorship in their schools. It all started in December 2022 when a high school student named Isabella Troy Brazoban attended a school board meeting, not knowing that the event would spark a fire within her that would last for years. Like many in the audience, she had come to hear her cousin sing, but she left with something far more valuable: a purpose.

A Voice for the Voiceless

As the meeting unfolded, a heated discussion emerged about potentially banning books in schools, primarily sparked by a parent’s claim that certain materials promoted drug abuse among students. This comment struck a deep chord with Isabella, as her brother had recently faced tragic circumstances due to laced drugs at school. Fueled by this personal experience, she decided to speak out during the meeting, transitioning from an audience member to an activist.

This pivotal moment launched a journey chronicled in the documentary “Banned Together.” The film, directed by Kate Way and produced by Jennifer Wiggin, follows Brazoban along with two other courageous students, Elizabeth Foster and Millie Bennett as they fought against the removal of 97 books from their school libraries. Their struggle not only garnered local attention but also made waves across national media, emphasizing the ongoing debate over censorship and intellectual freedom.

What Sparked the Movement?

In October 2022, Superintendent Frank Rodriguez pulled 97 books from schools, responding to a small group of parents who read explicit scenes aloud at a school board meeting and threatened legal action. While only five books were ultimately banned, the ripple effect was enormous. The situation escalated further when a Hilton Head Island Middle School teacher, Mardy Burleson, filed a defamation lawsuit against community members who accused her of being a “groomer” for merely asking students about their preferred pronouns. This incident showcased a growing culture of fear surrounding freedom of expression in Beaufort County.

Finding Support and Building a Community

After Troy’s comments at the school board meeting, she found mentors in Claire Bennett, the Beaufort Academy librarian, and Johnathan Hupt, the executive director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center. They encouraged her to keep speaking out, guiding her to the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO). Here, Troy met Millie Bennett, who was also deeply invested in the battle against censorship. Together, they formed a community of like-minded young activists.

Activism with a Purpose

Millie, a 19-year-old college student, found a personal connection with the issue when books pertinent to the LGBTQ+ community faced removal. “Their LGBTQ content was disguised as sexual content, which felt like an attack on who I am,” she expressed, underlining the profound importance of these titles. Millie and her friends rallied their classmates, continually speaking in school board meetings to advocate for their right to access diverse literature.

Similarly, Elizabeth Foster, another student from a nearby academy, felt compelled to join the fight. Serving as president of her DAYLO chapter, she organized strategies and encouraged other students to lend their voices to the cause. “We aimed to mobilize youth voices to stand against censorship,” she said passionately.

A Hopeful Future

As the students rallied together, their efforts caught the attention of authors, legislators, and educators nationwide, further solidifying their movement. Through the filming of “Banned Together”, these students began to understand the broader implications of their fight. “This isn’t just about books; it’s about American rights and the First Amendment,” remarked Wiggin, summarizing the overarching theme of their activism.

Although most banned books have been reinstated in Beaufort County public schools, new regulations could still pose future challenges. South Carolina’s regulation 43-170 mandates the removal of books with sexual conduct from public schools, keeping both the students and their community on alert.

Join the Conversation

Families Against Book Bans will host a screening of “Banned Together” on September 22 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, featuring a discussion with the students and film team afterward. This event is free to the public, but registration is required.

As Troy said, “You can’t let the fear of failure stop you from creating change in the world around you.” This vibrant movement in Beaufort serves as a reminder that young voices can inspire change and that the fight for freedom of expression continues.