What can students do when they are dead set against book bans but their state government keeps pulling books off school library shelves? In South Carolina, they’ve formed a movement of their own, the South Carolina Daily Gazette reports.
When Kate Selvitelli started a chapter of the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO) at her Charleston County high school in 2023, it was just her and two friends. A year later, the club has grown to more than 50 students at Academic Magnet High School, making it the largest of seven chapters across South Carolina. What began as a small book club has become a statewide student movement advocating for free speech and literacy.
The group’s advocacy took on new urgency after South Carolina passed a regulation in February barring K-12 schools from carrying books with “sexual conduct.” Since the rule took effect in June, 21 books have been pulled from school libraries, including The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
“Books with inclusive representation have always been my favorites because they let me experience what it’s like to be in other people’s shoes,” Ms Selvitelli told the state Board of Education during a public comment period earlier this year.
Opposing book bans is part of a larger mission for members: promoting literacy and empathy. “It’s not like you have to be out there fighting banned books,” Ms Selvitelli said. “We’re going to make friends, we’re going to meet up once a week, and anyone can join.”
The clubs mix advocacy with community service, from reading stories to children at farmers’ markets to stocking Little Free Libraries outside shelters for foster youth.
Students say the books targeted by bans often reflect experiences that help them grow and develop. At Battery Creek High School, members read The Perks of Being a Wallflower just before it was removed from shelves.
“Reading the books and understanding how much of an impact they had on me, I can’t imagine what they would do for other kids,” said chapter president Emily Alaia.
The DAYLO chapter at Greenville High School started with Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar to spark discussions about mental health, later pairing it with the more modern They Both Die at the End.
Speaking out at board meetings has been intimidating for teens who cannot yet vote, but students say it’s necessary.
“None of us can vote yet,” Ms Selvitelli said. “We can’t make any of these decisions. We’re just there, speaking our voices, using our education, and I think it’s really important for adults to see the next generation being like, ‘Hey, guys, we’re watching. We know what’s happening.’”
Beyond the policy fights, students describe DAYLO as a place to gain confidence and life skills. Alaia, who calls herself an introvert, said the practice of leading book discussions has made speaking in class less daunting.
“I’m really doing this,” she said. “I’m putting myself out there, and it was really because of DAYLO.”
