Silence is Not an Option

On July 30, 2025, I attended the injunction hearing held at the Matthew J. Perry Jr. Courthouse in Columbia, SC, to witness the NAACP-SC v. Weaver case.

Ellen Weaver, the current State Superintendent of Education, used Proviso 1.79  to cancel the AP African American Studies course and censor educators.

Censorship has its place when it comes to protecting students, but that’s not what this is. This Proviso has been weaponized to further the attacks on public education.

Here's what I witnessed:

1. Targeting African American Studies

Weaver’s attorney referred to African American Studies as “divisive content.” He even argued that “public school students do not have a constitutional right to receive information,” citing the 1982 Pico case. Let that sink in: They’re saying our children don’t have the right to learn about African American history.

Even Judge Lydon called out the racial motivations behind how this proviso is being applied.

2. Silencing Teachers

Brave educators like Mary Wood and Ayanna Mayes are risking their jobs and comfort as they push back against this vague, dangerous policy. They need to know that they are not alone!

The fear is real. I’ve heard from many teachers who are confused, frustrated, and scared—unsure of what they are or aren’t allowed to teach. Especially when the current State Superintendent of Education said that the following words “may not be used”: 

• Diversity

• Equity

• Inclusion

• Social justice

• Social emotional learning

• Restorative Justice 

Source: Memorandum from Ellen Weaver

Judge Lydon challenged Weaver’s legal team:“When does curriculum control turn into suppression of viewpoint?”

3. A Coordinated Attack on Public Education

I was in the Statehouse when the majority party manipulated language to divert public dollars into a private school voucher scheme.

Now I’ve heard the state’s “top education official”* argue—in court—that our students do not have a right to access knowledge.

This isn’t just about one case or one Proviso. This is a full-on assault on public education, on our teachers, and on the truth.

So what can you do?

1. Join the fight.

   Choose an advocacy group. Get involved. Here are some options:

   ProTruth

   FABB

   50501

   Indivisible

   Midlands Apple

   Public School Strong

   Freedom to Read SC

   CAPE York County

   Speak Up for Public Education l Berkeley County

2. Check your voter registration.

   Use this link: check my voter registration to make sure you’re registered to vote—and that your information is up to date.

3. Support pro-public education candidates.

   Research who’s running this year and in 2026. Find the ones who reflect your values. Donate. Volunteer. Vote.

   
   

Silence is not an option!

Our children, our educators, and the future of South Carolina deserve better, and it’s on us to fight for it.