The South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL) is a student-run mock legislature. Colleges and universities in the State of South Carolina send delegations to two annual sessions to debate bills and further their knowledge about parliamentary procedure and state government.
SCSL was founded in 1956 by Dr. Douglas Carlisle. The organization drafted a constitution and incorporated itself under the motto of Our Freedom, Our Liberty, Our Responsibility.”
SCSL has been a breeding ground for future newsmakers. Among the organization's former governors are former South Carolina governor Robert McNair (1957), former Republican strategist Lee Atwater (1974), former Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army and former SCGOP party chair Van Hipp (1979), and former Secretary of State candidate Rick Wade (1983).
Mission Statement
South Carolina Student Legislature was founded by students to be perpetuated solely by students. We aim to educate South Carolina's students about the functions of democratic government and to provide a forum for student debate on public policy issues. In fulfillment of this mission, South Carolina Student Legislature seeks the active participation of all institutions of higher education in South Carolina.
Goals
- To educate the young citizens of South Carolina.
- To provide an opportunity for students to witness and participate in the process and issues of government.
- To facilitate open communication between South Carolina's public servants and the future leaders of this state.
- To seek active participation of all of South Carolina's institutions of higher education.