South Carolina Catholic Conference director, Michael F. Acquilano, released the following statement regarding the S.C. House's passage of HJR. 3591:

"The Catholic Conference thanks members of the S.C. House for their deliberate work to repeal the Blaine Amendment from our state's constitution. In particular, we thank Speaker Murrell Smith for his relentless leadership and initiative on this important issue.

"The Blaine Amendment was designed and implemented by some of the most infamous racists in our state's history. Its purpose was to stop the Catholic Church from educating freed Blacks and immigrants, forcing minority populations into segregated and substandard public schools.
 
"This is not just a disgraceful relic of the past — the Blaine Amendment continues to perpetuate injustice today by blocking state funds to non-public schools that educate underserved and underprivileged children. 

"For nearly 150 years, the Blaine Amendment has restricted the rights of people of faith. Despite this anti-Catholic bias, our Catholic schools are the largest non-public school network in the state and have served our students honorably. Our schools are thriving and can boast an increased enrollment of 10% this year, plus we continue to open schools in some of the poorest counties in South Carolina.

"It is time to repeal this amendment from our constitution. We call upon the Senate to follow the House's lead and pass HJR. 3591. We pray that a day will come in which all children are provided a quality education, no matter the color of their skin, ZIP code or socioeconomic status in South Carolina."