Government regulations create confusion about what is allowed in the classroom

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — There is still uncertainty about what might be allowed in the classroom a month before the school year begins.

“A lot of school librarians and regular teachers are confused about what they’re going to be able to buy,” said Jamie Gregory, president of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians. “People just aren’t sure how far the regulations are going to go. You naturally start to think about the ‘what if’ scenarios. You want to be careful because obviously no one is interested in calling the state board of education.”

While state law does not necessarily prohibit the distribution of any books, it does give the South Carolina Department of Education the ability to do so.

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Gregory added that there are also concerns about a lack of clarity when a breach of the rules is found.

“The text says the state board can simply investigate if you don’t comply,” Gregory said. “If you violate the rules more than once, it could lead to a hearing and whatever consequences the board deems appropriate.”

“We have asked them to either remove this wording or clarify it because it is not clear at all,” she added.

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But at the end of the day, Gregory says the library is a positive tool for students. That shouldn’t be forgotten.

“It’s a place where all students can come and learn and discover and learn to love reading,” she said. “That’s the image we try to focus on, rather than looking at the school library as a place of fear or suspicion.”

Gregory says her message to any librarians or school teachers who are confused is that they should simply follow their district’s policies, which are still in effect, and follow any guidance their districts give them. She also encourages teachers to do their own research.

“Our organization encourages people,” she said, “to make sure they read the bylaws so they know exactly what they say and can comply with them.”