From Staff Reports

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. — South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s invitation to speak at South Carolina State University’s May 8 commencement was rescinded on April 29, roughly a week before the event, following intense student protests regarding her conservative political views and opposition to DEI initiatives. 

“The controversy surrounding South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and South Carolina State University (has escalated into a political battle over funding for the historically black university following the cancellation of her commencement speech,” AI Overview noted on May 8.

Evette, a Republican gubernatorial candidate who lives with her husband and family in Travelers Rest, labeled the SCSU protesters a “woke mob,” prompting lawmakers to threaten to defund the HBCU.

Aspects of the controversy include the following:

• Student protests: Students — and the Student Government Association — objected to Evette as the speaker, citing her stances on abortion, her “Trump conservative” identity, and her opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. They argued that she did not represent the values of the HBCU.

• Rescinded invitation: Although invited in December 2025, the university’s Board of Trustees authorized President Alexander Conyers to rescind the invitation, citing both student pushback and “credible threats” to safety. Later, SCSU Board of Trustees Chairman Douglas Gantt claimed responsibility for the invitation, saying he wanted to build better relationships with state leadership.

• “Woke mob” comment: Evette, who is in the middle of a gubernatorial primary, defended her stance, describing “leftist protesters” as a “woke mob” and doubling down on her criticisms of university DEI policies. She noted that campus protestors’ opposition to her presence necessitated security concerns, which was a cited reason for the cancellation. Evette has refused to apologize for calling the student protesters a “woke mob” — and, instead, has been using the incident in her campaign marketing.

• Defunding efforts: Nine South Carolina Republican representatives signed a letter calling to remove funding for SCSU, arguing that a state-funded institution should not be able to “capitulate” in this manner.

• Support for defunding: Evette has supported the resulting efforts to cut funding for the university, arguing that colleges that continue to focus on political “indoctrination” should face financial consequences.

• The reaction: The move to defund the state’s only public four-year HBCU sparked further controversy, with supporters arguing that students were exercising their right to peaceful protest against a speaker who opposes their interests.

• Political fallout: Former SCSU board member Hamilton Grant called the push to defund a “cowardice attempt” that will harm a school already suffering from underfunding.

• Impact on the university: The university was previously set to receive significant funding in the 2025–2026 budget.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Clyburn, D-Columbia, who is an alumnus of SCSU, said on May 4 the following:

“I was very disappointed when our Lt. Governor referred to those students as a ‘woke mob.’ Now I must admit, I don’t know what ‘woke’ means. But I know what ‘mob’ means. I know what a ‘mob’ is. And students peacefully protesting is not a ‘mob.’”