On February 20, 2026, the South Carolina State Board of Education made a landmark decision to incorporate the history of civil rights into the state's curriculum. This decision comes after months of debate and advocacy from community members and activists who have been pushing for a more inclusive and balanced education for students in the state.The vote, which was unanimous, will require all public schools in South Carolina to teach students about key moments and figures from the civil rights movement, including but not limited to the struggle for voting rights, desegregation, and the contributions of Black leaders to the fight for equality. The new curriculum will also focus on the ongoing challenges and victories of marginalized communities in South Carolina.State Senator John Thompson, a vocal advocate for the inclusion of civil rights history in schools, expressed his support for the board's decision. He stated, "This is a crucial step towards ensuring that our students have a comprehensive understanding of our state's history and the struggles faced by communities of color. By teaching our young people about the sacrifices and achievements of those who fought for civil rights, we are preparing them to be active and informed citizens in our society."The decision has been met with overwhelming support from educators, students, and parents across the state. Many believe that incorporating civil rights history into the curriculum will help promote empathy, understanding, and tolerance among students from all backgrounds. In a statement, South Carolina Education Superintendent Maria Rodriguez emphasized the importance of this new curriculum, stating, "It is our responsibility as educators to provide students with a well-rounded and accurate understanding of our history. By teaching them about the civil rights movement, we are not only honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us but also empowering our students to create a more just and equitable future."As South Carolina becomes one of the first states in the nation to mandate the teaching of civil rights history in schools, advocates hope that this decision will serve as a model for other states to follow. The implementation of the new curriculum is set to begin in the upcoming school year, with training and resources provided to educators to ensure its successful integration into classrooms statewide.