Building a Brighter Future with Diverse Perspectives

Carly Alexander, Village Engage Intern
Anderson University, Class of 2024

Earlier this month, South Carolina legislators unanimously elected Court of Appeals Judge Letitia Verdin to the South Carolina Supreme Court, marking a watershed moment for the state's judiciary. With her appointment, South Carolina ceases to be the lone state in the nation with an all-male Supreme Court—a significant shift towards greater gender diversity on the highest bench. Judge Verdin's historic addition is not merely symbolic; it represents a tangible step forward in addressing longstanding disparities in judicial representation. As only the third female justice in South Carolina's history, her appointment underscores the slow progress toward gender parity in our state's judicial leadership.

Growing up as a young woman in South Carolina with aspirations in law, I often questioned whether there would be a place for someone like me in positions of influence. Women constitute 51% of our state's population, yet we ranked 49th in the nation in terms of women's representation in elected offices—a stark reminder of the barriers that still exist. Justice, at its core, embodies principles of fairness, equity, and the pursuit of truth. These ideals are foundational to our legal system and societal norms. However, achieving true justice for all requires diversity in those who interpret and uphold the law. Without diverse perspectives at the table, our justice system risks alienating segments of our population and falling short of delivering impartial justice.

Despite this progress in gender representation with the addition of Verdin, South Carolina remains among the 18 states with an all-white Supreme Court. This statistic underscores persistent challenges in achieving racial diversity and equity within our judiciary. A lack of diversity on the bench leads to a disconnect between the justice system and the diverse communities it serves, potentially eroding trust and confidence in the judiciary's ability to deliver justice for all. Transparency and fairness in the judicial process are paramount. It's essential that our leaders prioritize merit over politics, ensuring that the most qualified individuals, regardless of gender or race, are entrusted with upholding justice for all South Carolinians. Judicial diversity impacts the quality of decisions that are handed down. Judges with different backgrounds have different perspectives, and when those perspectives are absent, marginalized people are more likely to lose in court. Achieving true justice requires a judiciary that mirrors the diversity of its populace, something that needs to be achieved throughout the leadership in our state. 

Moreover, I believe deeply in the power of diverse leadership across all sectors of society. Whether in business, education, or government, representation matters. When women and minorities are empowered to lead, our policies become more inclusive, our decisions more equitable, and our communities stronger. It's about nurturing talent from an early age, providing mentorship and opportunities for growth, and dismantling the systemic barriers that have historically held back diverse voices. There is so much importance in persuading more women and people of color to join the judiciary in the state. Organizations such as South Carolina’s Women’s Leadership Network (SC WIL) are working to overcome these challenges and provide the resources needed for women’s voices to belong in elected offices. The SC WIL has created a free campaign activation toolkit to help guide women through the process of campaigning and running for office. The initiative aims to empower women to pursue electoral opportunities both locally and nationally.

As I look to the future, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that our state's leadership will begin to prioritize diversity and inclusion in every decision they make. And most importantly, I am hopeful that together, we can create a South Carolina where justice truly means justice for all. Judge Verdin's election is a catalyst for progress, but it is just one step in a larger journey towards a more just and inclusive South Carolina. By continuing to advocate for diversity, equity, and representation in our state's leadership and institutions, we can build a brighter future where every South Carolinian can thrive.

Listen to our June 28th Fourth Friday Conversation to learn more about SC WIL and other opportunities for more diverse voices to influence state and local decisions.