advancing judicial diversity and transparency in south carolina
With the General Assembly set to elect the next Supreme Court Justice in June 2024 - and every legislator up for election in November - we saw a critical opportunity to connect the dots: electing state lawmakers shapes our courts for years to come. We launched the Give Her The Gavel campaign to bring public attention to the courts, advocate for gender diversity, and expose a judicial selection process long hidden from view. State courts shape our daily lives, ruling on fundamental rights like voting access, housing, healthcare, and environmental safety. Yet in 2023, South Carolina became the only state in the nation without a woman on its Supreme Court - a stark reminder that our courts must reflect the people they serve. When landmark human rights cases reached the Court, South Carolinians started asking: “ how did we get here?” Many did not know that South Carolina is one of just two states where justices are chosen by the legislature, not voters.
what we did: Mobilized 600+ South Carolinians from 31 counties to sign our Give Her The Gavel Community Letter urging legislators to prioritize gender diversity on the court Helped constituents send hundreds of emails to their legislators (s everal lawmakers said it was the first time they’d heard from voters about a judicial election) Hand-delivered copies of the letter to all 170 members of the General Assembly on the morning of the vote Hosted panels and discussions to educate communities on judicial selection, power structures, and the impact on our rights why it matters:
When courts are shaped by legislators, judicial diversity is only as strong as the leaders we elect.
This campaign wasn’t just about a single election. It was about shifting how people see power. This campaign made people pay attention - and that alone is powerful. Constituents saw how their voices could influence decisions at the highest level. And, yes, they gave her - Justice Letitia Verdin - the gavel.
highlights
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