Florence Hosts Freedom to Read Rally Amid Growing Censorship Concerns
Florence, SC — On October 10, Francis Marion University was a hub of spirited dialogue, education, and community engagement during the **Freedom to Read Rally** held at the **Performing Arts Center’s Truist amphitheater**. The warm sun shone down, with temperatures climbing close to 70°F, making it a beautiful day for a gathering dedicated to the love of reading and the fight against censorship.
As the audience settled in, eager voices filled the air, ready to hear passionate readings from an array of books that have faced challenges and bans in schools and libraries across the nation. With clear skies above and a light breeze blowing in from the north-northwest, university professors and students alike took their turn at the podium.
Championing the Right to Read
The rally was coordinated by **Jo Angela Edwins**, an English professor at the university. In her opening remarks, she emphasized the critical link between reading and freedom. “Freedom is the cornerstone of our Constitution,” Edwins noted, urging everyone present to value their right to read what they choose. “It’s vital that we continue to have open discussions about the materials that are available to us.”
This event came in response to an alarming trend: in 2023 alone, the **American Library Association** reported a staggering **4,240 book titles** were targeted for censorship, with **1,247** requests made to restrict access to various materials. Edwins pointed out that such efforts directly threaten the educational landscape and the richness of diverse ideas.
Diverse Voices at the Podium
Throughout the day, **18 readers** took their turns sharing passages from beloved literature. Among them was **Doug Gray**, a professor of art, who chose the classic children’s book, **”Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”** His lively reading was a delightful reminder of the joy and simplicity found in literature aimed at young readers.
Other readings included:
- **”Mother Bruce”** by Kit SaizdeLaMora
- **”And Tango Makes Three”**, a heartwarming story about two penguins raising a baby penguin, shared by Professor **Lance Weldy**.
- **”The Lorax”** by Dr. Seuss, drawing connections to environmental advocacy.
- **”1984″**, a profound reflection on society and power, read by retired English faculty **Pamela Rooks**.
- **”Strega Nona”**, a classic tales of magic, read by Professor **Rachel Spear-Cole** together with her daughter, **Wrigley**.
- **”Slaughterhouse-Five”** by Kurt Vonnegut, another profound text shared by instructor **Sandra Honaker**.
Censorship: A Slippery Slope
The rally was also fueled by recent regulations from the **South Carolina Department of Education**, which impose stricter criteria for evaluating educational materials. This has left many educators concerned about the impact on their ability to teach freely, including the potential exclusion of books like **”1984″** and **”The Canterbury Tales”** from classrooms.
“We believe the freedom America was founded upon only persists if we have a free exchange and expression of ideas,” Edwins reiterated, urging the community to remain vigilant against censorship efforts. “Today, we stand up to support everyone’s freedom to read.” Her words resonated with those in attendance, reinforcing the idea that books are not just words on a page but vehicles for ideas, education, and dialogue.
Looking Ahead
The pushback against book bans is gaining momentum, and events like the **Freedom to Read Rally** serve not only as celebrations of literature but as essential reminders of the rights guaranteed to all Americans. If the vitality of community spirit and the pursuit of knowledge are any indication, Florence is standing firmly on the side of freedom and expression.
In a world where literature often becomes a battleground for social and political ideas, it’s heartening to see communities come together in celebration of the written word and the unyielding belief in the right to read what resonates with us.
