SC Lt. Gov. Evette Calls Protesting Students ‘Woke Mobs’

A brewing controversy at South Carolina State University (SC State) has escalated, with Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette labeling protesting students as “woke mobs.” The students are voicing their opposition to Evette being selected as the speaker for the university’s upcoming commencement ceremony, leading to a public clash between the politician and the student body.

Evette’s Response to Student Protests

In a video posted on X, Evette directly addressed the protests, encouraging the students to “bring it on.” She dismissed their actions as “woke mobs” and asserted that President Donald Trump and conservatives have been more beneficial to HBCUs than any other administration. “Facts trump feelings in the real world,” Evette stated, adding, “I must be doing something right because woke mobs are coming after me for being a champion of eliminating radical DEI scams on college campuses.”

She further declared her intention to remain steadfast, stating, “Just like President Trump, I’ll never back down or bend a knee to the woke radicals.” Evette promised to share more on her stance against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives on campuses and expressed anticipation for celebrating commencement with the students and faculty.

Students Voice Concerns Over Evette’s Stance

The student protests, including sit-ins and chants of “we are not a mob, we are just aware,” stem from Evette’s political positions, which many students feel contradict the values of SC State. Concerns were raised about her anti-DEI rhetoric, support for ICE policies, and alignment with Trump-era politics, which students argue negatively impact marginalized communities.

One student, speaking to leadership during a sit-in, questioned Evette’s suitability as a commencement speaker, calling it a “morality issue.” The student asked, “How can someone who goes against everything we stand for and believe in, morality-wise, how can that person uplift me on my day of stepping into the real world?” This sentiment was echoed in an online petition with over 2,000 signatures, arguing that Evette’s presence does not align with the university’s mission.

University Leadership and Alumni Support

University President Alexander Conyers met with students during the sit-in, acknowledging their concerns but not indicating whether the speaker selection would be changed. He mentioned Evette’s background as a “female business owner, a millionaire business owner” whose story might be unknown to many students. Meanwhile, advocates and former state elected leaders, like Bakari Sellers, have publicly supported the students’ right to protest, reminding them of the university’s tradition of activism.