Beaufort County Students Unite Against Book Bans in Inspiring Activism Journey

Beaufort County’s Young Activists Rouse Passion Against Book Bans

In the charming town of Beaufort, South Carolina, a seemingly ordinary school board meeting transformed into a pivotal moment for a group of high school students. On a December evening in 2022, Isabella Troy Brazoban, a Battery Creek High School student, was simply there to watch her cousin sing. Little did she know that the discussions swirling around her would ignite a fire within her, leading her down the road from student to passionate activist.

The buzz in the room escalated as parents voiced their concerns about a controversial topic: book bans in schools. One parent passionately claimed that certain books encouraged drug use among students. For Troy, this comment hit hard. She had just experienced the painful reality of her younger brother’s overdose, a tragedy she attributed not to literature but to the dangerous world of drugs. Compelled to speak out, Troy seized the opportunity to address the school board, marking the start of her commitment to advocating for intellectual freedom.

A Fight for Rights

This initial act of courage set in motion a remarkable journey which is now captured in the documentary, “Banned Together.” This film follows Troy alongside two fellow activists, Elizabeth Foster and Millie Bennett, as they united to oppose the removal of a staggering 97 books from school libraries. Produced by Jennifer Wiggin and directed by Kate Way, the documentary delves into the students’ activism within the broader context of a growing national debate on censorship.

The book banning saga in Beaufort County began in October 2022 when Superintendent Frank Rodriguez, responding to a small group of vocal parents, pulled the 97 books after the explicit content within was read aloud during a school board meeting. Although only five books were officially banned, the parental uproar caught significant media attention, including features on nationally viewed programs.

A Wider Context

The situation in Beaufort County didn’t end with the book bans. Just recently, a teacher from Hilton Head Island Middle School, Mardy Burleson, filed a defamation lawsuit against several community members who labeled her a “groomer” after she included a question about preferred pronouns in a class survey. These events reflect the growing culture of fear and misinformation surrounding censorship and intellectual freedom, which the documentary vividly portrays.

The Spark of Activism

Realizing the weight of what was happening, Troy caught the attention of local figures like Claire Bennett, a librarian, and Johnathan Hupt, the executive director of the Pat Conroy Literary Center. They encouraged her to keep advocating for her cause, leading her to join the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization (DAYLO), where she met Millie Bennett. Millie, a studio art major, was also intrinsically motivated to fight against the book bans, especially those targeting LGBTQ+ themes, as she identified with their significance.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Foster, another student deeply affected by the rising tides of censorship, rallied fellow students and organized meetings at her home. As president of her DAYLO chapter, she recognized that a united front was essential for making their voices heard. Together, the trio not only raised awareness locally but also networked with authors and academics, hoping to deepen their understanding of the First Amendment and intellectual freedom.

Looking Ahead

Despite many books being reinstated in Beaufort County schools, the issue of censorship remains a significant concern, especially given South Carolina’s recent regulations mandating the removal of books containing sexual conduct from public schools. Troy’s empowering words resonate deeply: “You can’t let the fear of failure stop you from creating change in the world around you.”

The community will have a chance to reflect on this inspiring story at a prerelease screening of “Banned Together” on September 22. The screening, hosted by Families Against Book Bans, takes place at St. John’s Lutheran Church and will be followed by a discussion featuring the students and others involved in the film. This event not only hopes to entertain but also aims to strengthen the ongoing fight for intellectual freedom.