ACLU of South Carolina speaks out against proposed book ban in DD2

DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of South Carolina is speaking up against the proposed banning of books ahead of a Dorchester District Two (DD2) Board of Trustees meeting.

"I just think the idea of, of banning books principally is really problematic," said Josh Malkin, the senior advocacy strategist for the ACLU of South Carolina.

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The Board of Trustees are holding their meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. In a press release, the ACLU called for the board to fight against the banning of books in the district.

The ACLU outlined recommendations for board members, including that they refer to their own policies regarding the process of book banning. The policy is an opt out form to be submitted by parents and guardians, rather than taking suggestions from someone outside of the district.

"There's an opt-out sheet prominently featured on their website," Malkin said. "To go outside of their policy, which is a protective policy, for this complaint sends a really troubling message to the community, especially the students."

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“A policy is a rule," he continued. "The district is now telling parents, students, and community members that they're not gonna enforce rules. It's like we're telling children that rules don't need to be followed."

Malkin believes the aftermath of banning books will hurt students in many ways.

"Any challenge that targets a book about historical racism, historical oppression is dangerous," he said. "We need our students to learn the past so we can solve the problems of the present and the future."

"(A ban) harms students' ability to be empathetic, to be tolerant, to engage in civil discourse," Malkin continued. "I think what's driving a lot of this movement is there are folks out who don't want students to understand that different people are treated differently in this country."

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Malkin also has a message for parents.

"If there is something with multiple viewpoints, I think parents should encourage their children to explore multiple viewpoints," he said. "But when you are taking history off of shelves, when you are taking viewpoints off of shelves, when you're taking experiences off of shelves, parents really need to think about the, the harm that that does."