Founded in 2019, DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth Literary Organization) has quickly grown to encompass 10 chapters across South Carolina, focusing on advocating for literature and fighting against censorship, particularly as the state faces potential statewide book bans.

This high school book club has emerged as a leading student organization in the battle against book bans, especially following the challenge of 97 books within their school district.

In addition to their advocacy efforts, DAYLO engages in community projects, such as teddy bear picnics, aimed at fostering a love of reading among children while combating censorship.

PEN America intern Julia Goldberg recently interviewed DAYLO members Mary Ruff, Patrick Good, and Dylan Rhyne, who shared their personal motivations for joining the organization and their experiences with censorship.

Among the personal favorites of the banned books are 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' by Khaled Hosseini, 'The Poet X' by Elizabeth Acevedo, and 'The Bluest Eye' by Toni Morrison, which particularly inspired Patrick Good to advocate against censorship.

DAYLO members advise students facing censorship to connect with supportive teachers and like-minded peers, emphasizing the importance of community and literature in their advocacy efforts.

Despite their passion, DAYLO members encounter significant challenges in gaining respect and being heard at school board meetings, often feeling that their youth is dismissed.

Looking ahead, members hope for a future where DAYLO can concentrate on promoting literature rather than solely advocating against bans, highlighting the importance of diverse stories in education.

Originally starting as a book club and community service group, DAYLO has evolved to include strong advocacy against book bans in response to increasing challenges.

Currently, 91 of the 97 challenged books in Beaufort County have been returned to shelves, although five remain banned, underscoring the contentious nature of book censorship in schools.

The documentary 'Banned Together' sheds light on the rise of book bans in South Carolina and showcases the efforts of groups like DAYLO to combat these challenges, aiming to raise awareness among a wider audience.