CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Created in the aftermath of the Mother Emanuel shootings, Charleston’s Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission has spent decades addressing discrimination and promoting equity across the city, but now, the commission’s very existence is under threat.
Councilmember William Gregorie, who helped establish HARCC, says the commission has long tackled systemic inequities, from ensuring more women serve in fire stations to broader issues across housing, education, healthcare and public safety. Its 125 recommendations are a roadmap for equity in Charleston, but federal scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion programs now puts the commission at risk of losing more than $100 million in funding.
“What started as a conversation about changing the name of the commission has now escalated into a fight over whether it will exist at all,” Gregorie said. “It’s very important that HARCC remains independent from any political pressure, so it can represent all people — white, Black, people with disabilities, gay, straight, everyone. That’s what HARCC was doing.”…