Charleston Library Board Faces Controversy Over Oath Issue

Local community members are engaged in discussing the Charleston Library Board's oath controversy.

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News Summary

Charleston County Library Board members are under fire for refusing to take an oath to the U.S. Constitution. This controversy arose following Republican Senator Matt Leber’s remarks, highlighting that eight out of eleven Board members opted out of the requirement, despite it being mandated by state law. As discussions unfold, legal and ethical implications of their decision are being evaluated, with potential legislative action looming. Community support for taking the oath is growing, adding pressure to the Board as they navigate the political landscape.

Charleston in the Spotlight Over Library Board Controversy

In a developing story from Charleston, South Carolina, several members of the Charleston County Library Board are facing criticism for their refusal to take an oath to the United States Constitution. This situation recently came to light when Republican Senator Matt Leber publicly expressed his disapproval during a session in the South Carolina Senate.

The Core of the Controversy

Senator Leber took the floor on March 4, 2025, to highlight a growing concern that eight out of the eleven members of the Charleston County Library Board have opted not to take the required oath. According to Article VI of the South Carolina Constitution, public officials are obligated to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of this State and of the United States.” This oath culminates with the solemn phrase, “so help me God.”

The Library Board, which has been serving the community since its establishment in 1976, has historically not enforced this requirement. Instead, the board implemented its own pledge geared towards public knowledge and leadership. However, given the current political climate, this deviation from the law is now being scrutinized.

Concerns from All Sides

The catalyst for this new scrutiny appears to be the appointment of Graham Horsman, a local attorney and gun rights advocate, to the board in December 2024. Horsman has argued that the lack of the oath could lead to potential legal challenges concerning the board’s legitimacy.

Other members on the board have expressed hesitance as they seek further guidance from the Charleston County attorney’s office about the oath. Some board members are apprehensive about pledging allegiance to the Constitution, questioning if the Constitution always aligns with their views or interests.

Support for the Oath Grows

Despite mixed feelings among board members, Vice Chairman Larry Kobrovsky has stated that every American should feel confident in pledging to the Constitution. On February 6, 2025, a message from county attorney Natalie Ham suggested that whether library boards must take the oath may depend on the discretion of the county council. This insight added another layer of complexity to the already tense situation.

As discussions heated up in the following board meetings, Horsman pushed for a definitive resolution, but Library Board Chairman Rob Byko was dismissive of the legal concerns, referring to the opinions as “just a piece of paper.”

A Legislative Response

In light of the situation, Senator Leber took action by sending a letter on March 3, advocating for the removal of the eight board members who voted against the oath. Furthermore, he is collaborating with the Charleston County legislative delegation to establish a solution that would address the matter effectively.

The idea of taking the oath doesn’t seem to be an outright point of contention for Board Chairman Byko, who expressed that he wouldn’t oppose the act. However, he stressed that guidance from the county council on its mandatory nature is essential.

Next Steps for the Library Board

Chairman of the County Council, Kylon Middleton, stated that the council is planning to address this growing discord promptly. It seems clear that a resolution will need to be reached to settle this dispute, and it may involve re-evaluating the board’s approach to the Oath of the Constitution.

Until now, the issue of not having an oath did not seem to affect the library board significantly. But with the political landscape shifting, the importance of this requirement has become front and center. It has raised questions not only about legality but also about the values that guide public service in Charleston.

As the saga unfolds, it will be interesting to see if the Charleston County Library Board will align itself with the constitutional oath or continue down its current path.