SC Legislators Threaten Funding for SC State Over Lt. Gov. Disinvitation

A decision by South Carolina State University (SC State) to disinvite Lt. Governor Pamela Evette from serving as its commencement speaker has ignited a fierce backlash from state legislators. A group of lawmakers is now threatening to pull all state funding from the historically Black university (HBCU) in response to the move.

Legislators Denounce Decision as Political Capitulation

In a formal letter addressed to Chairman Bannister, a coalition of legislators, including members of the South Carolina Freedom Caucus, expressed their strong disapproval. They characterized the university’s decision as a capitulation to political pressure and a sign that conservative viewpoints are unwelcome on campus. The nine signatories argued that if a sitting Lt. Governor cannot be welcomed or have her safety guaranteed on a state-funded campus, then it’s time to “defund and reevaluate” the institution’s support.

The legislators have officially requested that no funding for SC State University be included in the upcoming state budget. Their statement read, in part, “There is no reason why state tax dollars should continue to fund a state institution where not all South Carolinians are welcome. If the Lt. Governor of South Carolina is unwelcome due to different political ideologies and an inability to keep her safe, it is time to defund and reevaluate.”

Student Protests Cited as Reason for Disinvitation

The university had initially invited Lt. Gov. Evette to address the class of 2026. However, the announcement was met with significant demonstrations from students on campus. Protesters specifically cited Evette’s political stances, particularly her opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as reasons why they believed she was not a suitable speaker for an HBCU.

SC State President Alexander Conyers stated that the primary factor in rescinding the invitation was the university’s inability to guarantee a safe and celebratory environment for the graduates. While acknowledging the value of free speech, the potential for substantial disruption during the commencement ceremony led to the decision to seek a different speaker.

A Contentious Political Standoff

This situation highlights a growing tension between political ideologies and the missions of educational institutions, particularly HBCUs. The legislators’ threat to defund SC State underscores the high stakes involved in these cultural and political debates. The university now faces the challenge of navigating these pressures while upholding its commitment to its students and its role in higher education.