Staff reports | Trying to keep up with what’s going on with South Carolina and mask mandates has been like Americans watching cricket — hard and harder to figure out
Local governments, school boards and courts have flailed in recent weeks over a legislatively-mandated ban on any mandate that required people, particularly students, to wear masks to protect them from the COVID-19 virus. GOP leaders have backed the ban but said little while refusing to call the General Assembly back into session to respond to broad public outcries to overturn the ban, which was inserted into the state’s budget during the summer.
The drama picked up pace this week.
On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled the budget proviso was in violation of the national Americans with Disabilities Act since it effectively bars some students from participating in school by prohibiting school districts from enacting mask mandates. Meanwhile, Charleston City Council and Dorchester School District 2 decided to hold off on a decision on masks for the time being, citing lowering case numbers and improving vaccination rates. Additionally in response to a challenge to Charleston County School District’s mask mandate for students, staff and visitors, Ninth Circuit Court Judge Bentley Price denied a motion for an emergency temporary injunction and restraining order prohibiting the district from enforcing its new mask mandate.
On Wednesday emboldened by the federal court’s decision, Education Superintendent Molly Spearman released a memo saying districts had the authority to require masks on campuses and to consult with their lawyers to help protect the medically vulnerable. Gov. Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson filed appeals as many school boards started revisiting mandates.
But things got upturned Thursday when the state Supreme Court voted again to uphold the legislative ban on mask mandates two days after the federal judge’s Tuesday ruling. The new ruling, however, allows districts to require masks without violating the state rule if they can find a way to avoid spending state money enforcing the wearing of face coverings. Stay tuned.
In other news:
COVID update. South Carolina health officials Thursday reported 1,915 total cases of COVID-19, with 1,144 confirmed. A total of 114 new deaths, with 85 confirmed, were also reported Wednesday. With 14,824 tests reported, 18.8% were confirmed positive. More Charleston City Paper
S.C. is 6th worst state for women killed by men. On the heels of nationwide attention over the disappearance of Gabby Petito and the body of a Florida student found dead in Florence County, South Carolina has received another dubious ranking. The state is ranked the sixth worst state in the rate of women killed by men, according to a new report. In 2019, the most recent year of available federal data, there were 57 women killed by men in South Carolina. Just over nine in 10 women killed are murdered by a man they know, the report said. More: The Post and Courier, WCIV, Violence Policy Center
Hate crime reports nearly double in S.C., according to FBI statistics. With reported hate crimes rising in South Carolina, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has launched a campaign to encourage residents to report crimes of discrimination. More: The State, WCSC TV
Aging roads in S.C. have nation’s highest fatality rate. A new report from The Road Information Program says that not only does South Carolina roads have the nation’s highest fatality rate but the aging roads cost drivers $2.1 billion per year. More: The Post and Courier
Charleston RiverDogs win 1st minor-league title in almost 100 years. The Charleston RiverDogs’ win over the North Carolina Down East Wood Ducks secured the team the Low-A East Championship Series Sunday. More: Charleston City Paper, WCSC TV, The Post and Courier, WCIV TV
McMaster planning to commit $300M toward I-73 in Horry County. McMaster is expected to be in Horry County Oct. 4 to announce a plan to put at least $300 million toward Interstate 73. More: The Myrtle Beach Sun News.
Butterfinger is S.C.’s favorite Halloween candy, retailer says. CandyStore.com says 14 years of sales data suggests that Butterfinger is the preferred Halloween candy of choice in the Palmetto state. More: Spartanburg Herald-Journal
Charleston RiverDogs win 1st minor-league title in almost 100 years. The Charleston RiverDogs’ win over the North Carolina Down East Wood Ducks secured the team the Low-A East Championship Series Sunday. More: Charleston City Paper, WCSC TV, The Post and Courier, WCIV TV
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