Charleston Reporter

False claims in an online petition that is circulating have created confusion regarding the intentions of a new government commission in Charleston.

Amongst other things, the petition claimed that the new commission would incorporate critical race theory into the curriculum of Charleston area public schools, when the commission's only role is really to review already existing city policies. 

Based on questions heard by the city of Charleston during the past few days, an online petition is believed to be creating uncertainty regarding an ordinance that Charleston City Council debated during their meeting on Jan. 12.

"Obviously, neither I nor the city council would never support anything like that," Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg said, according to the city's website. "In fact, I've increased, not decreased, the police budget every year I've been mayor. I've supported affordable housing and minority business opportunities, not cash reparations. And like most 1960s music fans, I know a lot more about CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival) than CRT, but wouldn't impose either one on our school kids. Long story short, the council won't be voting on any of those issues Tuesday night, and the claims in the petition are false."

The ordinance strives to start a Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission (HARCC). It was created as a result of a series of discussions with several council members and the mayor's office.

Under the guidance of the mayor and City Council, the HARCC would look at the city policies and practices under the microscope of race and diversity, with the goal of promoting fairness, opportunity and justice for all residents. The ordinance passed after its first reading by an 8-4 vote at the council’s meeting on Dec. 21.

An online petition against HARCC falsely asserted that the ordinance is intended to defund the police, pay out cash reparations to racial minorities and impose critical race theory on public schools in Charleston.