Charleston council votes to let HARC sunset after heated debate and public opposition

The Charleston City Council voted Dec. 16 to amend ordinance M14 and allow HARC to sunset, concluding a multi-hour discussion in which residents urged the council not to remove references to women, minority and racial conciliation from city documents.

Opponents of the ordinance change used the public comment period to press the council to preserve explicit equity language. Charles Duffy, who identified himself and said he lives on Short Street, told the council the measure "is disgraceful" and urged members to "vote no," saying the ordinance "is an insult to the people of the city of Charleston." Suzanne Hardy said she was "deeply disappointed" and accused the council of "capitulating" to what she characterized as racially motivated pressure. Sherry Harris warned that an omnibus provision in the draft ordinance could force automatic amendments to city programs and called the language "questionable and unnecessary." (Speakers' remarks were delivered during the public comment period.)

Councilmembers who supported the amendment said the change preserves HARC's legacy while removing it from direct city administration so it can continue independently. Councilman Waring framed the vote as a way to protect HARC's mission from "divisive politics" and to allow a future independent organization to carry forward the work. Councilman Gregory and others argued the council should let HARC sunset so the initiative can be reconstituted outside government and remain effective.

The council first voted to amend the ordinance (striking certain references that were discussed at length in council debate) and then, following discussion, approved M14 as amended. The transcript records the outcome as "Ayes have it" on both the amendment and on third reading.

What happens next: supporters suggested the city would help a reconstituted, independent body stand up in 2026; opponents said they will continue to press for the city to preserve explicit equity commitments in other forums.

Quotes from the meeting

"This city has an opportunity to take HARC, and that's why I say, let it sundown...and make it stronger," Councilman Waring said in debate, urging colleagues to approve the amendment.

"This ordinance, in my opinion, is disgraceful...I think it's shameful," Charles Duffy said during public comment.

Context and significance

The discussion took place amid a broader national conversation about municipal equity offices and advisory bodies. Speakers at the meeting tied HARC's origins to the city's response to historic events and memorial work. Council supporters framed sunsetting as a path toward independence and long-term viability; several council members said they expect a new, non‑governmental entity to carry forward HARC's recommendations.

A note on names and transcript variations

During the meeting transcript the advisory body was referred to with several spellings (HARC, "Hark," and "Hart"). In this article I use "HARC" to refer to the body discussed, and where speakers used other spellings their words are quoted directly.