News & Commentary

We sent a letter today to the leaders of law enforcement agencies whose officers participated in violent actions against non-violent protestors in Charleston on Sunday, May 31. We observed as police officers actively pursued peaceful protestors, making arrests and firing projectiles and chemicals. The brutality we witnessed matches additional complaints we have received from individuals in Charleston and other parts of South Carolina. These actions were clear, dangerous, and counterproductive responses to people exercising their Constitutional rights. Our letter calls for a public apology for officers’ actions, plan for investigating and holding officers who used excessive force accountable, and steps agencies will take to protect and ensure the fundamental right to protest.

The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina is suing the Spartanburg County jail over its inmate visitation policy.

Equipping officers with body-worn cameras has the support from top politicians, including Gov. Nikki Haley, and state police and legal groups, including the S.C. Law Enforcement Officers' Association, S.C. Sheriffs’ Association and S.C. Bar.

At about 9:30 a.m., North Charleston police officer Michael Slager, who is white, pulled Scott over near the auto store for allegedly driving with a broken tail light. Within minutes, a routine traffic stop had escalated into a pursuit.

Democratic lawmakers are proposing protections to prevent discrimination against gays in South Carolina in the wake of controversies in other states over their religious freedom laws.

March 4, 2015.  Columbia.  Free Times.  Op-ed by Victoria Middleton, Executive Director.

October 13, 2014. Charleston Currents. By Susan Dunn, Legal Director of the ACLU of SC. In his column [9/29/14: "Don't contribute to panhandling problem"], Andy Brack was wise to remind us that our treatment of the poor is important. We need solutions to the problem of homelessness that do not violate the constitutional rights of people who are poor. But police control of panhandlers raises issues larger than the criminalization of the homeless.

October 12, 2014. Charleston Post & Courier. By Glenn Smith. This man, who did not want his name used, was hoping for money from drivers making the left turn from Spring Street onto Lockwood Drive on Wednesday.  

New Law Raises Constitutional Eyebrows