Attorney General Alan Wilson declares victory as Judge throws out NAACP lawsuit

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – Attorney General Alan Wilson today announced a major legal victory after a federal judge threw out the NAACP’s challenge to South Carolina’s classroom standards, ruling the group had no legal basis to sue. 

“The court got it right today,” said Attorney General Wilson. “This case was never about real harm to students; it was about activists trying to push their political agenda through the courts. The ruling reaffirms that’s not how our system works. These debates should be settled by the people and their elected representatives at the ballot box, not through activist lawsuits. We thank the court for holding the line and upholding the rule of law.” 

Attorney General Wilson had filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the State Department of Education and State Superintendent Ellen Weaver. 

In its order, the court stressed that federal jurisdiction is limited to real cases and controversies, not hypothetical injuries or “someday” fears. By rejecting each claim for lack of standing, the ruling reinforced a long-standing principle: courts exist to address actual harms, not political disagreements dressed up as lawsuits. 

The ruling was in a lawsuit brought by the NAACP, students, a teacher, an author, and a librarian regarding a state budget proviso that prohibited the state Department of Education from spending tax dollars on partisan or ideologically divisive material. 

Attorney General Wilson emphasized that the decision underscores the importance of the standing doctrine in safeguarding both constitutional principles and the proper role of public policy. 

“This isn’t just a win for our state, it’s an encouraging reminder that the judicial system addresses real injuries, not speculation. I am proud to stand up for South Carolina families.” 

The full opinion of the court can be read here.