News & Commentary

May 06, 2024

State House Dispatch: May 6, 2024

Three days remain in the legislative session. Here's what we're up against.

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: May 6, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a yellow and blue tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Apr 22, 2024

State House Dispatch: April 22, 2024

Book bans and classroom censorship in the final weeks of legislative session

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: April 22, 2024. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a red and blue tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Apr 17, 2024

Say no to classroom censorship today

In a teacher shortage, we can't afford to disrespect educators with bills like H. 3728

By Paul Bowers

"Strike out classroom censorship" is repeated several times on a yellow background. A red marker stroke passes through the words "strike out"
Apr 09, 2024

We can stop a statewide book purge before it begins

Fight for the Freedom to Read on April 10

By Paul Bowers

"April 10: Defend the Freedom to Read." Text appears over a photo of a burning book.
Mar 28, 2024

Here's what the anti-DEI bill says about our state's priorities

South Carolinians face real problems. Our representatives have decided to spend time in the People’s House creating new ones.

By Paul Bowers

A crowd of people in businesswear stands behind a speaker at a lectern in the South Carolina State House lobby
Mar 08, 2024

Anatomy of a smear campaign

How right-wing lawmakers, media, and dark-money interest groups teamed up to harass and intimidate school librarians

By Paul Bowers

"Anatomy of a Smear Campaign: How right-wing lawmakers, media, and dark-money interests teamed up to harass and intimidate school librarians." The text is on a red and tan striped background. Photos of Reps. Thomas Beach and April Cromer appear below.
Feb 10, 2024

Dangerous books, South Carolina schools, and me

Let me tell you a story about a book they want to ban

By Paul Bowers

"Dangerous books, South Carolina schools, and me." The headline appears above a pile of books: Native Son, Slaughterhouse-Five, Beloved, Sold, and Stamped.
Dec 22, 2023

Terrible last-minute gift ideas for 2023

Just in time for the holidays: Pre-filed bills that nobody asked for

By Paul Bowers

A gift tag reads, "Wow, No Thanks"
Nov 28, 2023

Here’s what you lose when you ban my books 

Author Ellen Hopkins responds to the mass banning of her YA novels

By Ellen Hopkins

Professional headshot of author Ellen Hopkins