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aclusc.bsky.social
ACLU of South Carolina
@aclusc.bsky.social
8.8K followers 52 following 540 posts
Defending and advancing civil liberties in the Palmetto State since 1968. aclusc.org
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aclusc.bsky.social
Testigos en Charleston, North Charleston y Ladson han informado de un aumento en la aplicación de la ley de inmigración en carreteras y autopistas esta semana. Estamos trabajando para confirmar los informes de una actividad más extensa del ICE en otras partes del estado.

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Fotografía tomada por un testigo ocular de agentes del orden público con chalecos y mascarillas, durante la noche.
November 8, 2025 at 11:57 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Eyewitnesses in Charleston, North Charleston, and Ladson have reported an increase in federal immigration enforcement along roads and highways this week. We are working to confirm reports of more widespread ICE activity elsewhere in the state. We’re here to remind you of your rights.

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Eyewitness photo of law enforcement officers in vests and facemasks taken at night.
November 7, 2025 at 8:23 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
We recently made some updates to our website. Check it out at www.aclusc.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Reposted by ACLU of South Carolina
appleseedsc.bsky.social
In the fourth video of the Legislative Process series from the @protruthsc.bsky.social, Courtney Thomas, Advocacy Director for the @aclusc.bsky.social, discusses the basics of state budget and what a budget proviso is.

Please leave your questions in the chat for the team!

#scpol #scschools
October 29, 2025 at 8:47 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
We're proud to sign this letter calling on our neighbors and community members to join us: to celebrate, to volunteer, to donate, to safeguard LGBTQ+ youth. Together, we can make sure every child feels loved, supported, and free to be themselves.
In Support of QT Camp and Our LGBTQ+ Youth QT Camp’s upcoming event, the Creepy QT Halloween Party, was created to be a place of joy and belonging. The event is in recognition of QT Camp’s second full summer of outdoor camps for queer and trans kids, and to connect campers and their families to vital community resources in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The event was sadly targeted by a prominent political figure, causing fear and concern for children’s safety in our community. The purpose of QT Camp, like many other LGBTQ+ youth-focused camps across the country, is to provide an affirming space for children to learn, grow, and know they have a community that welcomes them. Camp activities focus on education, empowerment, and self-advocacy, crucial topics for any child today. Every program QT Camp offers is provided free of charge, thanks to dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and committed community partners. The impact of QT Camp speaks for itself. Parents tell us it has changed — and even saved — their kids’ lives. That’s what this work is about: creating spaces that affirm young people for exactly who they are, and remind them they are valued no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity. Using queer and trans youth as political pawns is deeply harmful and unacceptable. Politicians have used our community as political pawns for decades. We refuse to let their exploitation of hate and misinformation define us or distract us from what truly matters: the joy and safety of children. This community has always met fear with compassion, and we will continue to do so in light of these events. We stand together to protect and uplift our youngest community members. We’re calling on our neighbors and community members to join us: to celebrate, to volunteer, to donate, to safeguard LGBTQ+ youth. Together, we can make sure every child feels loved, supported, and free to be themselves. Signed, ACLU of South Carolina Alliance for Full Acceptance AFFA Action Campaign for Southern Equality Charleston Pride PFLAG Charleston Lowcountry in Transition We Are Family Harriet Hancock Center T-Time Transgender Support South Carolina Equality Secular Humanists of the Lowcountry Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network PFLAG Aiken PFLAG Anderson PFLAG Greenville PFLAG Pawley’s Island PFLAG Spartanburg PFLAG Rock Hill
October 25, 2025 at 3:11 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
As ICE goes rogue and violates our civil liberties, South Carolinians are demanding that their local law enforcement agencies stop signing new ICE collaboration agreements under the 287(g) program. Hear more on Episode 16 of WHILE I BREATHE, available now wherever you listen to podcasts.
October 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Today we are celebrating the life and career of the late Harry G. Wilkinson, a former ACLU of South Carolina board member whose family's gift in his memory will launch a paid internship program for law students aspiring to practice civil rights law in South Carolina.

www.aclusc.org/en/news/reme...
"Remembering Harry G. Wilkinson, Rebel with a Cause." Photo of Harry, a man in a button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, seated on some rocks with an outcropping of flowering scrub plants.
October 24, 2025 at 12:45 AM
aclusc.bsky.social
Today we're at the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Va., delivering arguments in our long-running case challenging inhumane conditions in the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Audio livestream begins at 9:30 a.m. Tune in here: www.youtube.com/live/L7dARwS...
October 22, 2025 at 1:16 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Have YOU written to your lawmakers to oppose the extreme abortion ban bill S. 323? There is still time. Write to the members of the Senate Medical Affairs Committee before they meet on Nov. 18.

We have a starter message and a form to connect you with the senators: aclusc.org/s323
A brown-skinned hand with red nail polish is putting a stack of postcards into a mailbox. The front of the postcards reads, "Vote NO on S. 323."
October 21, 2025 at 10:03 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
For the second half of our two-part podcast series on the Trump administration's mass deportation agenda in our state, we’re headed to the Lowcountry to hear how locals are pushing back. Search for "WHILE I BREATHE" in your podcast app or listen here: www.aclusc.org/en/publicati...
Episode 16: ICE Invades South Carolina (Part 2)
Apple PodcastsSpotifyPodcast AddictOther Podcast AppsAs U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) goes rogue and violates our civil liberties, South Carolinians are demanding that their local
www.aclusc.org
October 21, 2025 at 1:44 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
“I see it as a good, as a moral and social good, if Clemson was turned around to actually reflect conservative values, in every department,” said Rep. Jordan Pace, a Goose Creek Republican who leads the hardline S.C. Freedom Caucus. www.postandcourier.com/education-la...
Professors at SC colleges see threats to academic freedom stacking up after Charlie Kirk firings
Some want to impose restrictions on what ideas can be taught at South Carolina’s universities. Professors see it as a threat after Charlie Kirk firings.
www.postandcourier.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Reposted by ACLU of South Carolina
scadeathpenalty.bsky.social
Last week, SCDC announced Fred Singleton, the longest-serving person on SC’s death row (41 years), died of natural causes. He was 81 years old.
We also remember Elizabeth Lominick, whose life was taken by Mr. Singleton. For 41 years, her family was promised closure the state could not provide.
October 14, 2025 at 2:24 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Headed out to a #NoKings protest this weekend? Know your rights before you go.
KNOW YOUR PROTEST RIGHTS. 1: You don't need a permit to protest in response to breaking news or to march on sidewalks or streets as long as traffic and building access are not obstructed. 2: You have the right to photograph anything in plain view while lawfully in public, including federal buildings and police. 3: If your rights are violated, document everything by writing details, collecting witness contact information, and taking photos of injuries. 4: If stopped by police, ask if you are free to go. If yes, calmly walk away. 5: If arrested, invoke your right to remain silent and request a lawyer. Do not sign, speak, or agree to anything without legal representation. 6: If stopped by military or law enforcement at a protest, you have the right to remain silent and only answer questions in the presence of an attorney, regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
October 17, 2025 at 2:54 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Sumter friends: See y'all at Pride on Oct. 25!
October 15, 2025 at 9:15 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
The ACLU of South Carolina is hiring a paid Harry G. Wilkinson Legal Intern for the summer of 2026. Application deadline is November 15.

More details and instructions for applying here: www.aclusc.org/en/jobs/harr...
Harry G. Wilkinson Legal Internship (2026)
The ACLU of South Carolina is hiring a paid Harry G. Wilkinson Legal Intern for the summer of 2026. A competitive applicant must have excellent research and writing skills, a demonstrated commitment
www.aclusc.org
October 9, 2025 at 7:43 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Elana K. Arnold, whose novel Damsel is banned from K-12 schools statewide: "Readers deserve free access to books... Those who aim to take away their books, who are stripping their libraries and book collections, are thieves of art, culture, information, and liberty."

www.aclusc.org/en/news/my-b...
My book faces a statewide ban in South Carolina. Here's why that matters.
UPDATE: Elana K. Arnold's fantasy novel Damsel is one of 22 books that have been banned or restricted statewide in South Carolina. On Oct. 7, 2025, three students and the S.C. Association of School
www.aclusc.org
October 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Reposted by ACLU of South Carolina
aclu.org
There's no better way to honor Banned Books Week than to defend our freedom to read.

@aclusc.bsky.social is suing the state of South Carolina for banning 22 books in public schools statewide.
South Carolina Students and Librarians Sue State Education Superintendent Over Book Bans
South Carolina public school students and school librarians file a lawsuit against the state's education superintendent over book bans.
bookriot.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:34 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
"I’m Ellen Hopkins. If the name isn’t familiar, you probably haven’t been paying much attention to the book removal wave sweeping across this country."

3 of Ellen Hopkins' young adult novels have been banned from all S.C. public schools. Read what she has to say: www.aclusc.org/en/news/here...
"Here's what you lose when you ban my books. Bestselling author Ellen Hopkins responds to South Carolina book bans." Photo of the author in a red top wearing a necklace.
October 8, 2025 at 8:54 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
"Last Night at the Telegraph Club" by @malindalo.bsky.social is one of the 21 books banned from all South Carolina public schools. She responds: "That is what reading gives us: the freedom to imagine different possibilities."

Read more here: scdailygazette.com/2025/05/08/w...
An author responds: Why is sex so scary to book banners? • SC Daily Gazette
Commentary from Malinda Lo, the author of one of the books the State Board of Education ruled must be pulled from K-12 library shelves.
scdailygazette.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:37 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
NEW: Three students and the SC Association of School Librarians are suing SC Education Superintendent Ellen Weaver to challenge her book banning and classroom censorship policies. During Banned Books Week and every week, we’ll show up to defend the freedom to read. www.aclusc.org/en/press-rel...
Students and librarians take S.C. superintendent to court over school censorship rules
COLUMBIA – South Carolina public school librarians and students filed a lawsuit today asking a federal court to block enforcement of the state’s unconstitutional book banning regulation and a
www.aclusc.org
October 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Advocacy Director Courtney Thomas on Beloved by Toni Morrison, one of the most banned and challenged books in the country. #BannedBooksWeek
October 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by ACLU of South Carolina
aclu.org
Read more about your rights when interacting with military troops or federal agents at aclu.org/deployment_kyr
October 6, 2025 at 4:10 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Just announced: Our free Banned Books Week panel on Sunday will feature Cinelle Barnes, bestselling author of Monsoon Mansion and Malaya: Essays on Freedom. Join us this Sunday, Oct. 5, 5 p.m. at Commonhouse Aleworks in North Charleston!

Details here: www.aclusc.org/en/events/ba...
Itinerant Literate Banned Books Week Anti-Censorship Panel. In partnership with the ACLU of South Carolina. Commonhouse Aleworks, Sunday, October 5, 5 PM. Featuring Cinelle Barnes, bestselling author.
October 3, 2025 at 8:54 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
NEW: Clemson University bowed to political pressure and fired an assistant professor over a Facebook post that was critical of Charlie Kirk. We’re asking a federal court to uphold the First Amendment and reinstate the faculty member.
"ACLU-SC sues Clemson for firing faculty member who criticized Charlie Kirk." Photograph of Clemson's Sikes Hall on a purple background.
October 3, 2025 at 5:41 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Today the governor held a press conference pushing for more local ICE collaboration. But the 287(g) agreements he is promoting are a disaster for civil liberties, a fiscal burden on local governments, and a threat to public trust in law enforcement. Learn more here:
www.aclusc.org/en/press-rel...
ACLU-SC opposes further ICE collaboration by local law enforcement
Today Gov. Henry McMaster and Sen. Lindsey Graham promoted a program that provides federal financial incentives to local law enforcement agencies that sign collaboration agreements with U.S.
www.aclusc.org
October 2, 2025 at 9:04 PM