BUZZ
Students complain she support Trump, opposes DEI
South Carolina State University disinvited its commencement speaker, the state’s Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, following backlash from students over her political stances.
In an announcement released Wednesday, South Carolina State University president Alexander Conyers stated the school “has decided to move in a different direction for this spring commencement,” according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette.
He stated that the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution for safety and with careful consideration.”
Conyers stated that the university had selected the Republican candidate for governor because of her background as a successful businesswoman.
“Our intent was to provide students with a speaker whose professional journey could offer practical insight and inspiration as they prepare to enter the workforce,” the president stated.
As of Thursday morning, over 22,000 people signed a student-led petition requesting a new speaker.
“Pamela Evette’s political positions and affiliations have raised significant controversy in South Carolina, especially among communities who feel marginalized by current state policies,” the petition states.
“Many students, families, and alumni are concerned that her presence at one of our most significant events does not reflect the values we collectively hold dear,” it states.
The students called on school administrators to “reconsider this decision and select a commencement speaker who reflects the aspirations and values of our students.”
Students also protested around campus Tuesday, complaining that Evette opposes DEI and abortion, and supports President Trump, according to the South Carolina Daily Gazette.
Evette posted a video of the protest on X, writing,” These leftist protestors are coming after me because they know I will not bend a knee or compromise on South Carolina’s conservative values.”
In another post, Evette wrote, “Conservative voices will never be bullied or silenced anywhere in South Carolina. See you at commencement.”
South Carolina Sen. Lindsay Graham wrote on X that he was “very disappointed” in this school’s decision to disinvite Evette.
“Pam is the Lt. Governor of our great state and the idea that her speech would have been anything less than inspiring to these graduates and their families is based in a close-minded, woke ideology,” he wrote.
He added that giving in to the left’s incessant pressure “will create consequences over time.”
“The sooner we break from the wokeness that permeates our society — especially in higher education and at a great school like SC State — the better,” Graham wrote.
