Empty tables at fair.
Greenville County, SC – This school year, book fairs in Greenville County Schools will not take place due to new state mandates regarding the appropriateness of books in schools. The new regulation requires all educational materials to be suitable for the age and development levels of students, leading to the decision to “pause” book fairs.
The district’s spokesperson, Tim Waller, explained that the logistics of handling large shipments of books make it difficult to assess their content in time for the fairs. He noted, “It is not possible for school personnel to vet all book fair content after it arrives.” The district plans to work closely with schools and book fair vendors to find alternatives for future events.
Book fairs, often organized by Scholastic or local bookstores, have been a popular way to promote reading and raise funds for schools. The district recognizes the importance of these events, stating that they “engage parents and the community in support of literacy.” During the pause, schools may consider options such as book clubs or online fairs.
The decision comes after the South Carolina Board of Education implemented a regulation prohibiting books that contain descriptions of “sexual conduct” for any age group. The South Carolina Department of Education supports the district’s cautious approach and aims to assist in finding vendors who offer appropriate materials.
However, some advocates, including the ACLU of South Carolina, have criticized the regulation as overly broad and fear it might lead to more attempts at restricting book access. They argue that this policy limits academic freedom and poses risks for educational diversity.
The district has pledged to continue exploring options to promote reading, ensuring compliance with the new guidelines and providing a safe educational environment for all students. More details will be shared with schools as these alternatives are evaluated.
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