Story perspectives

GOP Lawmakers Seek Funding Cut Over Evette Speech Cancellation

5/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Nine Republican legislators proposed withholding state funds from South Carolina State University after it canceled Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s commencement speech.
The university canceled the address after student protests cited safety concerns.
Evette called the protesters a “woke mob” and refused to apologize.
Freedom Caucus members called the decision shameful and inexcusable.
President Alexander Conyers said the invitation was based on Evette’s business achievements and thanked her for engaging.

History

Historical Context

On May 4 1970, Ohio National Guard troops opened fire on anti-war demonstrators at Kent State University, killing four students and wounding nine after President Richard Nixon’s April 30 announcement to expand the Vietnam War into Cambodia. The tragedy sparked a nationwide student strike and, eleven days later, a similar police shooting at Jackson State College killed two, illustrating how campus dissent in 1970 provoked harsh governmental responses.

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Story summary

Nine Republican legislators proposed withholding state funds from South Carolina State University after it canceled Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s commencement speech.
The university canceled the address after student protests cited safety concerns.
Evette called the protesters a “woke mob” and refused to apologize.
Freedom Caucus members called the decision shameful and inexcusable.
President Alexander Conyers said the invitation was based on Evette’s business achievements and thanked her for engaging.

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