Gavin's Law (H.3583) is legislation that makes sexual extortion, the act of blackmailing someone using sexually explicit images or videos, a felony offense and an aggravated felony if the victim is a minor, vulnerable adult, or if the victim suffers bodily injury or death directly related to the crime. In 2022, 17-year-old Gavin Guffey was a victim of sexual extortion, resulting in him taking his own life. 

The bill reads in part, "Local school districts shall collaborate with the State Department of Education, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and the Attorney General’s office, as appropriate, to implement a policy to educate and notify students of the provisions of this act which includes adequate notice to students, parents or guardians, the public, and school personnel of the change in law.  The State Department of Education must file a report as to the status of the adoption and implementation of the education policies under this act to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, annually by July first of each year."

In a memo on August 29, 2023, The South Carolina Department of Education recommended that South Carolina school districts incorporate the requirements of Gavin’s Law into the Erin’s Law curriculum and give age-appropriate instruction on the dangers and consequences of sexual extortion to satisfy the requirements for student notification. SCDE also recommended that each district post their policy on their website for full visibility.

The Spartanburg School District Three Board of Trustees has adopted policy for students and staff.

To read the student policy for Gavin's Law, click here.

To read the staff policy for Gavin's Law, click here.