South Carolinians found themselves at a major crossroads during the turbulent 1960's as African Americans and a growing number of white supporters in rural towns and cities across the state waged public protests, filed lawsuits, and registered voters in pursuit of equal access and social justice. As the Civil Rights Movement unfolded, segregationists attacked these developments as threats to their "southern way of life." The South Carolina State House became a backdrop for public debate as politicians, segregationists, and civil rights champions converged on its grounds to sway public opinion and chart an agenda for the future. On March 2, 1961, 187 protesters were arrested after a planned demonstration on the State House grounds, and a lawsuit filed on their behalf, Edwards v. South Carolina, reached the United States Supreme Court. On February 25, 1963, the court ruled that the 14th Amendment forbids a state "to make criminal the peaceful expression of unpopular views," opening the door to continued demonstrations nationwide.