Ethical Governance in Education
In fall 2023, we heard testimony directly from students who were concerned about the dysfunction and discrimination coming from the school board, and who felt unsafe and uncared for by this district’s leadership. We also heard from many members of our community and organization who expressed concerned about the school board’s leadership.
Environmental Justice
To live in Charleston is to know what it means to be at the whim of Mother Earth. As a coastal city our livelihood is connected to the water, be it through fishing or tourism or trade. But as much as the water presents opportunity, it is also a very real threat to all of us here in the Charleston area.
Restorative Practices addressing school-based arrrests
Our research showed that children in Charleston County were being arrested and incarcerated at higher rates than other counties in South Carolina and that over half of them were being arrested for minor offenses from the classroom.
Wage Theft
CAJM members have expressed anger about illegal wage practices in Charleston County. Our research revealed that Charleston County residents and employees have their wages stolen or withheld in many ways.
Racial Discrimination in Police Practices
The cities of Charleston and North Charleson uncovered disparities between Blacks and Whites in areas of traffic stops, arrests and use of force. In Nov. 2023, Charleston released its assessment report of the racial bias audit. View the report here: Interim CPD Report (charleston-sc.gov)
Youth Incarceration
Research shows that children in Charleston County were being arrested and incarcerated at higher rates than other counties in South Carolina and that most were being arrested for minor offenses.
Lack of Affordable Housing
Charleston area housing costs have skyrocketed. 211,000 residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Rental costs increased twice as much as wages from 2011 to 2016. N Charleston’s 2016 eviction rate was 16.5%, the highest of any large city in the US, with 10 households evicted every day. CAJM is successfully pushing the county to invest millions of dollars in a housing trust fund.
Inadequate Transportation
Charleston’s public transportation system takes too much time for thousands of community members who rely on it every day. Most bus lines run only once every 60 minutes and some every 90 minutes. Most riders have to walk or bike over a mile to get to a bus stop. There is no weekly pass and most low wage earners cannot afford the monthly pass.
What Folks Are Saying
