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University of South Carolina Logo

University of South Carolina

Website

Columbia, United States

The University of South Carolina is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. It is known for its robust academic programs, vibrant campus culture, and competitive athletic teams, including a successful women's basketball program.

CCI Score

CCI Score: University of South Carolina

-15.90

0.01%

Latest Event

University of South Carolina 2023 Lobbying Expenditure

The University of South Carolina spent $90,000 on lobbying efforts during 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. The report details the lobbyists hired and the amount spent, highlighting the institution's participation in political influence activities.

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ENABLER

University of South Carolina is currently rated as an Enabler.

-10 to -19 CCI Score
Companies in this segment facilitate authoritarian practices while claiming neutrality. They provide resources or support that indirectly bolster oppressive regimes, thereby undermining democratic accountability without overtly endorsing the regime.

Latest Events

  • University of South Carolina 2023 Lobbying Expenditure Logo
    DEC
    31
    2023

    The University of South Carolina spent $90,000 on lobbying efforts during 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets. The report details the lobbyists hired and the amount spent, highlighting the institution's participation in political influence activities.

  • -25

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 30

    The university's $90,000 spending on lobbying in 2023 reflects an engagement in political influence that can be seen as aligning with established power structures. From a left-leaning anti-authoritarian perspective, such efforts to sway policy through financial means are concerning as they may contribute to undemocratic practices and diminish accountability in governance.

    University of South Carolina Lobbyists • OpenSecrets

  • University of South Carolina Lobbying Expenditure (2023) Logo
    DEC
    31
    2023

    According to OpenSecrets data, the University of South Carolina spent $90,000 on lobbying activities during the 2023 calendar year, reflecting its engagement in efforts to influence public policy.

  • -10

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 30

    The University of South Carolina's lobbying expenditure of $90,000 in 2023 demonstrates the institution's use of political influence to shape policy outcomes. From an anti-fascist perspective, such lobbying, even at a relatively modest level, may contribute to undue influence in democratic processes and is viewed slightly negatively.

    University of South Carolina Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

  • USC Labor Protest Over Wage Demands Logo
    OCT
    27
    2023

    Campus workers at the University of South Carolina, including adjunct faculty, graduate assistants, and support staff, rallied demanding higher wages and better compensation. The protesters are calling for a minimum hourly wage of $20, $40,000 annual salary for salaried workers, and a $20,000 stipend for graduate workers, despite the University’s recent raise to $15 per hour. The event highlights the gap between employee expectations for fair compensation and the University's incremental wage adjustments.

  • -30

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 30

    The protest underscores a significant disconnect between the University's wage adjustment measures and the basic living wage demands of its employees. While the University publicized ongoing efforts to adjust salaries, the scale of the workers' demands indicates that these efforts are insufficient. This shortfall in addressing fair labor practices is viewed negatively from an anti-fascist and pro-worker rights perspective.

    University of SC employees demanding wage increases | wltx.com

  • USC Workers Demand Higher Wages Logo
    OCT
    26
    2023

    On October 26, 2023, members of the United Campus Workers union at the University of South Carolina held a speak-out event on the Russell House patio calling for a $20 minimum wage for all workers, highlighting longstanding issues with low pay and inadequate worker support. The union's demands come on the heels of a modest wage increase from $14 to $15 earlier in the year.

  • -50

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 30

    The union's vigorous demands for substantially higher wages underscore USC's failure to provide fair compensation and support for its workers. The minimal wage increase implemented earlier and the continued push for a $20 minimum wage reveal shortcomings in labor practices and worker rights, contributing to a significant negative rating in labor relations and human rights practices.

    USC workers union pushes for $20 minimum wage

  • USC Employee Union Protest for Higher Pay Logo
    OCT
    26
    2023

    On October 26, 2023, graduate students and hourly workers at the University of South Carolina, represented by the United Campus Workers union, protested outside Russell House to demand higher wages. The protest highlights ongoing worker dissatisfaction despite previous modest wage increases.

  • -40

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 30

    Although USC has previously implemented wage increases (raising the minimum hourly rate from $10 to $15), the protest underscores that these measures remain insufficient amid rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures. The union's demands for a $20 minimum hourly rate for all hourly workers, along with increased stipends and salaried minimums, point to failing labor practices. This ongoing unrest reflects negatively on USC's commitment to fair labor standards and workers' rights.

    USC employee union protests for higher pay - Post and Courier

  • USC Retains Controversial Confucius Institute Logo
    OCT
    01
    2023

    The University of South Carolina continues its long-standing partnership with the Confucius Institute, a program run by the Chinese government that critics claim serves as a propaganda outpost. Despite concerns from the FBI, education advocacy groups, and lawmakers regarding potential influence on academic content and institutional autonomy, USC defends the arrangement by emphasizing that faculty maintain full control over curriculum development.

  • -60

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 30

    USC’s decision to continue hosting the Confucius Institute despite repeated warnings and criticism indicates a tolerance for foreign government influence on academic institutions. This decision is seen as facilitating the spread of a state-run propaganda narrative, undermining academic freedom and transparency in educational governance.

    USC allows Chinese 'propaganda' outpost to stay on campus

  • USC Raises Minimum Wage to Improve Employee Retention Logo
    SEP
    16
    2022

    The University of South Carolina announced a series of wage increases and job requirement revisions aimed at improving employee retention. More than 1,300 employees are set to receive pay raises, with nearly 700 employees seeing the minimum wage rise to $14 per hour starting January 1, 2023. This measure comes as part of a broader effort to address high staff turnover and create more equitable, competitive compensation across various non-faculty roles.

  • +80

    Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

    March 30

    The decision to raise the minimum wage and adjust job requirements significantly improves labor conditions and worker rights at USC, reflecting a strong commitment to fair treatment and equity. Such measures are in line with progressive, anti-authoritarian values that prioritize the welfare and dignity of workers.

    USC to raise minimum wage to improve employee retention | The State

  • University of South Carolina Lobbying Spending Logo
    DEC
    31
    2021

    In 2021, the University of South Carolina spent $90,000 on lobbying activities, as reported by OpenSecrets. This spending reflects the institution's engagement in political influence efforts, which raises questions about transparency and democratic accountability in its public and political behavior.

  • -20

    Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

    March 30

    The university's $90,000 expenditure on lobbying in 2021 suggests active involvement in influencing policy, which, while common for large institutions, can support established power structures and may undermine broader democratic participation. This action is assessed negatively from an anti-fascist perspective.

    University of South Carolina Lobbyists • OpenSecrets

  • USC's Controversial PR Contract with Quinn Firm Logo
    FEB
    01
    2011

    In a contract dating back to February 2011, the University of South Carolina paid nearly $500,000 over four years to Richard Quinn & Associates for public relations, strategic messaging, and crisis management related to an $80 million law school bid and regulatory initiatives. Although USC asserted the work was not for lobbying, the firm's ties to GOP elites and an ongoing corruption investigation raise concerns over potential political influence.

  • -20

    Public and Political Behavior

    March 30

    The engagement with a politically controversial firm—despite claims that no lobbying occurred—suggests an alignment with politically sensitive messaging strategies that could bolster elite influence. This raises concerns from an anti-fascist perspective, given the firm's known ties to GOP figures and existing corruption probes, thereby negatively impacting public trust in the university's political conduct.

    USC paid Quinn firm almost $500,000 but not to lobby, it says

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