Since its founding in 1920, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been the guardian of liberty, working in the nation's courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve individual working rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States. The South Carolina American Civil Liberties Union (ACLUSC) seeks to contribute to the academic dialogue of the South Carolina community by fostering intelligent and meaningful discussion of civil and individual liberties.

The ACLUSC makes a conscious effort to remain respectful of the school's religious identity and, accordingly, does not embrace the national ACLU's stance on reproductive rights. Furthermore, the ACLUSC attempts to cooperate with groups with contrary positions when hosting events in order to foster discourse.

Although the ACLUSC has worked almost entirely on academic discussion, it will once day begin to undertake advocacy efforts oriented towards the promotion of civil liberties.