ACLU of South Carolina
LightNews LightNews
banner
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
Posts Replies Media Videos
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.

(1/6)
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.

(1/5)
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
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
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
"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
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
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
After yesterday's subcommittee on the total abortion ban (Senate Bill 323), lawmakers need to keep hearing from the people their bill would harm. Please write to them. We have a form to help you get started: aclusc.org/s323
ACLU of South Carolina. Stop the Extreme Abortion Ban in South Carolina. Stop the Extreme Abortion Ban — Tell the Full Senate Medical Affairs Committee
October 2, 2025 at 3:25 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Emma Giglio, who just spoke against the total abortion ban, was a guest on our podcast. She shared her family's heartbreaking story of traveling out of state to terminate a non-viable pregnancy. You can hear her story here: www.aclusc.org/en/publicati...
October 1, 2025 at 1:49 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Today is the subcommittee hearing for S.C. Senate Bill 323, which would create a total abortion ban with almost no exceptions. It would equate abortion with homicide, and it would make it a felony to provide information about obtaining an abortion via the phone or internet.
We oppose S. 323
October 1, 2025 at 1:22 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Law students, heads up: Applications are open for the 2026 Southern Legal Internship Program, created in a partnership between the ACLU and National Black Law Students Association. Priority application deadline is October 31, 2025.
"Intern with us." Logos of the NBLSA and ACLU of South Carolina. Photo of the Statue of Liberty.
September 26, 2025 at 4:40 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
If you experienced an immigration raid, we would like to hear your story. Hearing community members’ stories helps us understand how rights are being violated as part of immigration enforcement efforts.

✉️ aclusc.org/redada
September 25, 2025 at 7:58 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Si usted experimentó una redada de inmigración, nos gustaría escuchar su historia. Escuchar las historias de los miembros de la comunidad nos ayuda a entender cómo se violan los derechos como parte de los esfuerzos de aplicación de la ley de inmigración.

✉️ aclusc.org/redada
September 25, 2025 at 7:58 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
This is an ominous prediction from Chief Justice Kittredge in yesterday's State Supreme Court decision green-lighting partisan gerrymandered Congressional maps.
“As a result, we are seeing — and will continue to see — state legislatures race to further minimize and perhaps erase the representation of the state's minority political party in Congress. These results may, indeed, be in line with each respective state's constitution and laws, but they collectively have the effect of diminishing our constitutional republic as a whole. This is a troubling prospect for those who adhere to our nation's founding principle that the People are sovereign. We can expect the current trend to continue unless the United States Supreme Court steps back into the fray.”
September 18, 2025 at 4:29 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
The SC Supreme Court has green-lit a partisan gerrymandered Congressional district map. The court dismissed a legal case brought by the League of Women Voters of South Carolina that challenged the practice of partisan gerrymandering.

www.aclusc.org/en/press-rel...
September 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
In the wake of the murder of Charlie Kirk, an organized political effort has emerged: Political figures are mining social media for statements about the murder and demanding that state employees be fired or otherwise pushed out of their jobs because of their speech. (1/5)
"ACLU-SC: Teacher intimidation campaigns have no place in South Carolina." Blue tinted background images of chairs in a lecture hall.
September 12, 2025 at 8:23 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
Want to get more involved in the struggle for reproductive rights? Fill out our volunteer interest form, let us know which issues matter most to you, and we'll be in touch. secure.ngpvan.com/LuQWHmPs80eS...
Screenshot of a form that reads, "With what issues would you like to engage the ACLU SC Advocacy team, working with them to advocate at your comfort level? This will include opportunities to receive trainings on various kinds of advocacy and engagement with policy makers. (Optional)" Options are LGBTQ+ Rights, Reproductive Rights, Censorship & Academic Freedom, Housing Justice, Voting Rights, Juvenile Justice Reform, Immigrant Rights, and Other
September 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
aclusc.bsky.social
S.C. lawmakers are preparing to ram a dangerous and extreme anti-abortion bill through the legislative process starting October 1 with a specially called Senate subcommittee meeting. We call on lawmakers to abandon this egregious attack on our autonomy, privacy, speech, and safety.
September 4, 2025 at 6:58 PM