The Charleston, South Carolina, chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) posted a Facebook advertisement on Friday seeking volunteers to provide child care at its meetings and to join a virtual training session. The post read, “No experience with kids needed! Come ready to learn how to grow and support our next generation of comrades,” and invited adults, with or without children, to attend a Zoom training on Monday evening.
Conservative response
State‑level conservatives quickly condemned the effort. Adam Morgan, founding chairman of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, wrote on social media that the DSA training should be investigated, calling it “indoctrination” of children. Other users echoed the sentiment, describing the program as a “radical agenda” targeting the next generation.
The South Carolina Republican Party account posted that “socialism isn’t coming to South Carolina — it’s already here,” and warned that the group was using child‑care services to spread its ideology. A popular conservative account, Libs of TikTok, claimed the DSA was offering “free babysitting so they could turn your kids into socialists.”
Background on DSA activity
The DSA’s Charleston chapter previously held a “Comrades With Kids” hangout in March, inviting parents to bring children for card games, crafts, and other activities. The event was reported by Fox News Digital. The organization’s broader push comes as socialist‑aligned candidates have been gaining primary victories in the 2026 midterm cycle, giving the group a larger platform for its policies.
In a related development, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, launched a citywide “Parents’ Night Out” pilot that offered free babysitting and cultural activities for families. Nearly 300 children participated in the August 16 program at NYC Parks recreation centers. Fox News Digital reached out to both Mamdani’s office and the DSA Charleston chapter for comment but did not receive a response.
Political context in South Carolina
South Carolina remains a solidly Republican state. Former President Donald Trump carried the state by nearly 18 points in the 2024 presidential election, and Republicans have won every presidential contest there since 1980. The DSA’s outreach to families therefore stands out as a partisan effort that has drawn sharp criticism from local GOP leaders.
Critics argue that providing child‑care services as a recruitment tool infringes on parental rights and could influence children’s political views before they develop independent thinking. Supporters of the DSA say the training simply offers practical assistance to volunteers and encourages community involvement.
What’s next?
The Zoom training is scheduled for Monday evening, and the DSA has not indicated whether it will expand similar programs to other South Carolina chapters. Conservative groups have called for investigations into the organization’s activities, suggesting that state authorities examine whether the training violates any laws related to child welfare or political indoctrination.
As the debate continues, families in Charleston and across the state will be watching closely to see how the DSA’s child‑focused outreach evolves and whether it prompts further legislative or legal scrutiny.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
