Social Science Research in SC is under Attack
Originally published as "Social science research in SC is under attack," The Post and Courier, February 27, 2025.
When it comes to understanding our social world, we need sunlight, not censorship.
Social science research in South Carolina is under attack. In addition to the tens of millions of dollars that state universities stand to lose from new federal budgeting requirements, there is an ideological war going on over what can and can’t be studied with federal funding. Funding for scholarship that doesn't toe the line is being cut off.
This month, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas flagged 28 research grants in South Carolina for cancellation that are scheduled to bring more than $19 million to the state in the coming months. Previously ongoing work to find answers to real and pressing problems has been halted.