The University of South Carolina is one of seven schools in South Carolina to hold members of a new type of student government.
The South Carolina Student Legislature (SCSL) is a mock legislature that works to create and debate real bills that are centered on issues that affect South Carolinians.
The only requirement for the bills presented is that they must be an issue that the state government can solve. If its federal or local it is quickly vetoed said Damien Barber, a fourth-year political science student and member of SCSL.
Throughout the semester, the organization meets to have these debates, and at the end of the semester, they meet collectively with the entirety of the organization statewide.
When the state wide organization meets, they continue to debate various bills and mock sign them into law.
“We kind of make laws that we then present to the statehouse as an advocacy way of saying, 'These are things that people in the state feel like you all need to do,'” Barber said.
The students who participate can also can hold positions in USC's SCSL chapter or through the larger SCSL organization. These positions include positions such as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the house and more.
While many students in the organization are pursuing degrees in political science, there is no degree requirement, said Derrick Wargo, a fourth-year economics and finance student and president of USC’s delegation of SCSL.
“Anyone can join,” Wargo said. “If you’re passionate about it, we’ll gladly let you in.”
Even though the organization is centered on politics, it is nonpartisan, with students speaking on issues from all political parties. Students are able to hold positions that simulate government allowing for debate outside of party said Kaleelah El-Amin, a third-year political science student and Chief Justice for SCSL.
Students are able to have good debates and relationships despite what political party they align with because everyone works for a collectively beneficial outcome when proposing their bills, Barber said.
“It is very welcoming … There are so many different views and so many different people on the political spectrum,” El-Amin said. “But everybody, honestly, is so respectful with it being (such) a diverse political climate.”
Through SCSL, students are able to build a lot of skills that are essential to a post-college career and life, especially public speaking, Barber said.
“If you're not exactly interested in politics or policymaking, it's great for public speaking. It's going to get you out of your comfort zone, because you're going to be talking to lots of people,” Barber said.
Barber also said that it offers great career development and potential benefits for the future.
“It's a great networking opportunity. You're going to meet people, and you're going to learn how to be professional and interact with people who you do not always agree with," Barber said.
While the semester is underway students who are interested should still join if they want to, said Barber.
"Realistically, I don't think there's like too late of a time to join us. I mean, everyone's gonna be willing to help you catch on," Barber said.
SCSL works to build a community of respect where debates are friendly and students work together, Wargo said.
“I know that politics is such a divisive topic, but it really almost never gets heated in our club,” Wargo said. “It's communal, we all appreciate and respect each other.”