Aiken Community Voices Concerns Over Book Bans Amid Documentary Screening

News Summary

On March 19, 2025, USC Aiken hosted a screening of the documentary ‘Banned Together,’ raising awareness about book bans affecting Beaufort schools. As the South Carolina State Board prepares to review more potential bans, community members express their worries about the implications of censorship on education. With recent changes granting parents increased power to challenge books, the ongoing debate emphasizes the need for dialogue on literary freedom and its impact on students’ learning experiences.

Aiken Community Voices Concerns Over Book Bans Amid “Banned Together” Documentary Screening

In scenic Aiken, South Carolina, a thought-provoking documentary called Banned Together was screened on March 19, 2025, at USC Aiken. This eye-opening film focuses on the growing number of book bans that are impacting students in Beaufort schools. The timing couldn’t be more crucial, as just 13 days later, on April 1, the South Carolina State Board will review 10 more books that could be added to the list of those banned from schools.

The New Rules on Book Banning

A major rule change in 2024 now allows the state board to decide on a statewide policy regarding book reviews. This development has sparked a heated debate among community members who worry that this is an overreach of government power. The revised policy permits parents and guardians to request a ban on up to five books each month. Books can be prohibited if they contain descriptions or visual depictions of sexual conduct, which many feel is too vague and restrictive.

In February 2025, actions demonstrated the board’s commitment to censorship, as they removed four books from public schools. Including these recent removals, a total of 11 books have already faced banning. This decision affects all public schools across South Carolina, which raises concerns regarding parental choice and the autonomy of local school districts.

Growing Legislative Support for Book Bans

What’s more alarming is that nearly two-thirds of the South Carolina House of Representatives have backed the bill aimed at book bans, showing that this issue is not fading away. Community members who gathered for the Banned Together screening aimed to shine a light on the dangers of censorship and how it threatens the educational experience of students.

A Local Perspective

USC Aiken assistant professor Mary Moussa Rogers highlighted that the increasing requests from parents to remove certain books have compelled schools to adopt their own policies for dealing with book challenges. Students in the area are feeling the effects of these changes too. One student expressed how these censorship efforts limit teachers’ capabilities to foster growth among young minds and restricts access to diverse literary worlds.

Reactions from the community have varied. Several attendees at the screening perceive book banning as a way of imposing censorship that ultimately harms the educational landscape instead of protecting it. Among the critics is Ben Rogers from Graniteville, who calls for the power to handle book bans to be returned to local school boards. He showed strong support for a bill named H. 4059, which aims to give decision-making back to parents and educators at the district level.

Voices from the Community

The overwhelming concern is clear: book bans may come from a place of protective intentions, but many argue that they create more harm than good. Banning books limits educational opportunities for students and hinders teachers’ ability to provide a well-rounded, comprehensive learning environment.

As the April 1 deadline looms, the community looks on anxiously, hoping that thoughtful discussions around book freedom, parental rights, and the educational value of diverse literature will take center stage in the many debates to come.

The screening of Banned Together was not merely an event, but a catalyst for conversation and reflection within the Aiken community, as they grapple with the current landscape of literature access in schools.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Aiken Community Addresses Book Bans During Documentary Screening
Community Unites at USC Aiken to Discuss Book Bans
USC Aiken Community Engages in Discussion on Book Bans

Additional Resources

• WRDW: Aiken Community Discusses Book Bans Amid “Banned Together” Screening
• Post and Courier: State Should Not Ban Books from Public Schools
• Aiken Standard: State Should Not Ban Books from Public Schools
• Wikipedia: Book Banning
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Book Censorship