Full Breakdown
South Carolina State University Cancels Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s Commencement Speech After Student Protests
5/2/2026, 2:17:39 AM
Background and Context
South Carolina State University, the state’s only public historically Black university, invited Republican Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette—who is also a gubernatorial candidate—to speak at the May 8, 2026 commencement. The invitation, extended in December, was justified by university President Alexander Conyers as highlighting Evette’s experience as a business leader. The campus enrolls roughly 3,000 students.
Timeline of Key Events
- December 2025/2026 – Evette receives the invitation from President Conyers.
- April 21, 2026 – An online petition against the invitation gathers 2,600 signatures.
- April 28-30, 2026 – Hundreds of students protest on campus, chanting “woke mob” and demanding a speaker aligned with HBCU values.
- April 30, 2026 – Board of Trustees meeting; Chairman Douglas Gantt acknowledges his role in inviting Evette.
- May 8, 2026 – University announces the invitation is rescinded, citing “an abundance of caution for safety.”
Official Statements & Responses
Conyers said the invitation aimed to provide “practical insight” from Evette’s entrepreneurial career and stressed “the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and guests” as the reason for rescinding. Lt. Gov. Evette called the protests a “woke mob,” defended free speech, and reiterated her plan to end DEI on campuses. Chairman Gantt said the invitation was intended to secure funding. Gov. Henry McMaster’s office reiterated support for HBCUs and noted Evette’s past contributions.
Criticism & Opposition
Student Government President Zaria Tucker posted that Evette’s support for former President Donald Trump and her stance on DEI “does not reflect the values we collectively hold dear.” Senior Class President Jayden Briggs argued that “commencement should celebrate our achievements, not a political agenda.” Nine GOP legislators from the House Freedom Caucus labeled the university’s decision “shameful” and urged the state to withhold funding until the campus “re-evaluates” its speaker policy. Critics also highlighted that President Trump’s administration redirected about $500 million toward HBCUs and tribal colleges, questioning why the university would reject a speaker who cites that investment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Petition signatures are reported as both 2,600 and over 20,000, reflecting divergent counts. The university cites safety concerns, while students point to political disagreement. It is unclear whether Evette was notified of the cancellation before the public announcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are not a mob. We are just aware,” — Alexander Conyers, President, South Carolina State University
- “I’m ending DEI on campuses once and for all. Stay tuned. I’m going to have a lot more to say about this later,” — Pamela Evette, Lieutenant Governor
- “Commencement is sacred when you look at the history of our people and the plights that we’ve come through and the joy around graduation,” — Hamilton Grant, State Representative
What’s Next
The university has not named a replacement speaker; a board meeting on May 1 will consider alternatives that reflect the campus community’s values. GOP legislators are drafting a funding amendment, while student groups plan continued advocacy on free-speech and DEI policies.
