Vice President Kamala Harris encouraged students to vote in powerful numbers as she promoted their importance in the upcoming 2024 election during her appearance at the College of Charleston Wednesday evening.
In other major Lowcountry news, U.S. Supreme Court justices on Wednesday signaled they may restore a First Congressional District map drawn by the S.C. General Assembly that has been challenged for being racial gerrymandering. A panel of lower court judges ruled the map unconstitutional. Read more.
Harris commented on the case during her visit: “Right now, in South Carolina we are looking at a situation where state legislators basically passed a law that would try to dilute the Black vote in the state. It is wrong that any elected official would try to choose who can vote for them, when it should be the voter who chooses who represents them.”
The Wednesday visit was part of Harris’s “Fight For Our Freedoms” tour in which she makes stops at colleges and universities across the country to connect with young people ahead of the 2024 election. Young voters were a critical coalition for Harris and President Joe Biden in 2020 as they won 61% of voters between the ages of 18 and 29, according to AP VoteCast.
During the event at the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre, Harris addressed several topics, including reproductive freedom, gun safety, climate action and LGBTQ+ equality.
“You have been confronted with issues that many generations before you haven’t seen,” she said. “You all have only known a climate crisis. You all have only known active shooter drills. You all became aware of injustices when you witnessed what happened to George Floyd. You all, in your lifetime, just witnessed the highest court in our land take a constitutional right that had been recognized such that many of you will know fewer rights than your mother or grandmother.”
The appearance marked Harris’ seventh stop in her month-long tour. The forum was moderated by Tennessee state Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and model/activist Amelie Zilber.
In other recent news:
CP NEWS: Sweetwater complex corrects 64 fire code violations. The Cainhoy Rural Fire and Rescue Department and the Berkeley County fire inspector found 64 violations at the Sweetwater apartments during an inspection on Aug. 24. The complex said it has since corrected all infractions before the Oc. 13 deadline.
Charleston Co. school calls special meeting to focus on Gallien. The Charleston County School District Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Thursday with suspended superintendent Dr. Eric Gallien. The meeting agenda reveals the board plans to renew action to authorize an investigation.
Roper St. Francis CEO not returning next year. Dr. Jeffrey DiLisi chose not to renew his contract as CEO for the Roper St. Francis Healthcare System covering the Charleston region for 2024, but will continue to serve until the end of the year. Officials announced a national search to find his replacement.
‘Banned Books Week’ event at North Charleston bookstore highlights ban history. Itinerant Literate Books in North Charleston is hosting its fourth annual Banned Books Week to highlight historic book bans and their impact on access to information.
Operation Sight and East Bay Deli partner to provide free vision care in Charleston. Charleston-based nonprofit Operation Sight is joining forces with East Bay Deli, to raise funds for providing free vision care to uninsured South Carolina residents. The fundraising begins Oct. 12, with East Bay Deli pledging to donate 10% of all purchases to Operation Sight.
Folly Beach feels impact of short-term rental caps. Homeowners on Folly Beach put a cap on short-term rentals at the beginning of this year and now, the city is feeling the effects of the ordinance. In 2022, 75 properties were sold on Folly Beach, but this year, that number has decreased 70%.
Isle of Palms working to mediate beach erosion. Isle of Palm City Council discussed beach erosion, how high tides are impacting the coastal community and the use of sandbags being distributed in areas impacted by high tides.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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