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Tag: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette

  • 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.

    What are your thoughts on the legislators’ threat to defund SC State University? Do you believe political ideologies should influence commencement speaker choices? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • SC State Rescinds Lt. Gov. Invite Amid Protests

    South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers has rescinded the invitation for Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to speak at the upcoming commencement ceremony. This decision follows two days of student protests and comes after Evette referred to the protesting students as a “woke mob.”

    President Stands With Students

    In a video posted to X, President Conyers was seen standing with his students, affirming their right to protest. He stated, “What I saw yesterday, what I saw today, was college students exercising their free rights… So how someone can confuse what happened, and perhaps because that person wasn’t here… I will admit you’ve done exactly what I did some 35 years ago as a student on these same grounds.”

    Conyers acknowledged that he couldn’t change what was said on social media but refused to let outsiders label the future generation as “thugs.” He invited anyone skeptical to visit the campus and see for themselves.

    Safety and Celebration as Priorities

    In a statement to WLTX, Conyers explained that the university has “decided to move in a different direction” for commencement. While Evette was initially chosen for her record as a business leader, the situation evolved into a safety concern. The university stated it will welcome Evette at a later date, emphasizing that “The safety and well-being of our students, families, faculty, staff and guests will always guide our decisions.” Commencement, he added, “should remain a moment of celebration focused on our graduates and their achievements.”

    Student Concerns and Evette’s Response

    The student protests, which gained support from figures like Bakari Sellers, centered on “morality issues.” One student expressed, “We’ve been here four, five years, and for commencement we should have someone who is going to celebrate us. 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?”

    Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Evette, who is also running for governor, continued to voice her stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives on college campuses. Upon learning of the rescinded invitation, she issued a statement: “The fact that a speech had to be canceled for credible safety threats is exactly why we cannot give up the fight to end indoctrination and DEI on campuses once and for all. The root problem is professors who gin up feigned outrage at the detriment of their students, who they should be teaching to think critically. End tenure now!”

    What are your thoughts on South Carolina State University’s decision to rescind Lt. Gov. Evette’s invitation? Do you agree with the students’ concerns or Evette’s stance on DEI? Share your views in the comments below!

  • 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.

    What are your thoughts on Lt. Gov. Evette’s response to the SC State student protests? Share your views in the comments below.