The Charleston, South Carolina, chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is facing backlash after advertising a virtual training session for volunteers to provide childcare at meetings, with the goal of supporting what the group called its "next generation of comrades."
Critics, including the South Carolina Freedom Caucus founding chairman Adam Morgan and the South Carolina Republican Party, have accused the group of using "indoctrination" tactics and targeting children with a radical agenda. The DSA Charleston post, seeking adults with or without childcare experience, stated, "No experience with kids needed! Come ready to learn how to grow and support our next generation of comrades."
This initiative comes as socialist candidates have seen increasing success in Democratic primaries, amplifying the organization's platform. Conservatives argue that such efforts aim to "indoctrinate them young before they can become free thinkers."
In March, the DSA Charleston chapter reportedly held a "Comrades With Kids hangout," inviting parents to bring their children for activities like card games and crafts. Similar efforts have drawn scrutiny elsewhere. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has promoted a "Parents' Night Out" program that offers free babysitting, with nearly 300 children attending a recent session. Critics, such as the conservative account Libs of TikTok, have suggested such programs are designed to turn children into socialists.
South Carolina is a predominantly Republican state, where Donald Trump won by nearly 18 points in 2024, and Republicans have consistently carried the state in presidential elections since 1980. Critics contend that the presence and organizing efforts of far-left socialist groups in communities cannot be ignored.