News & Commentary

Feb 06, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 9, 2026

Here’s how you can show up for housing justice, academic freedom, and LGBTQ+ rights this week

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 9, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background image of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted orange and red.
Jan 30, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 2, 2026

S.C. lawmakers keep attacking the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, and students. We have some better ideas for them.

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 2, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome in pink and blue tints.
Jan 23, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: Jan. 26, 2026

Our lawmakers want to dismantle the wall between church and state, take away our reproductive rights, and make life harder for trans youth

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: Jan. 26, 2026." Background photo of the Statehouse dome tinted yellow and blue.
Jan 16, 2026

Statehouse Dispatch: Jan. 19, 2026

Free speech, voting rights, abortion, and trans rights are all on the line this week

By Paul Bowers

"Statehouse Dispatch: Jan. 19, 2026. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Background photo of the Statehouse dome with a blue tint.
May 12, 2025

State House Dispatch: May 12, 2025

Sneaky lawmaking via the budget, summer advocacy training, and bills to watch in 2026

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: May 12, 2025. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a red and blue-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
May 06, 2025

With 10 additional books removed, South Carolina leads nation in statewide school book bans

It's official: We're Number 1 when it comes to removing or restricting access to literature

By Paul Bowers

It's official: South Carolina leads the nation in number of state-mandated book bans. Update, 5/6/2025
May 05, 2025

State House Dispatch: May 5, 2025

Mandatory flag salutes, juvenile justice reform, and a unanimous vote for school proselytization — plus an update on the teacher criminalization bill

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: May 5, 2025. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a yellow and blue-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.
Apr 28, 2025

Action Alert: Teacher criminalization bill gets a hearing on 4/29

House Bill 4123 would subject educators to a 10-year prison sentence for the vaguely defined offense of 'disseminating harmful material to minors'

"Action Alert" in red text over a grayscale photo of the State House with protesters in front
Apr 14, 2025

State House Dispatch: April 14, 2025

More religion in schools, compelled speech about vaccines, and an update on the bill attacking Diversity Equity & Inclusion programs

By Paul Bowers

"State House Dispatch: April 14, 2025. This Week Under the Copper Dome." Text appears over a pink-tinted image of the South Carolina State House dome.