SC State receiving backlash over planned graduation speaker. Here’s the choice
Students at South Carolina State University are pushing back against the school’s plan to invite Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, a Republican candidate for governor, to be next month’s commencement speaker.
The administration of the HBCU in Orangeburg has told student leadership of the plan, even though it has yet to formally announce the decision or finalize the speaker.
A school spokesperson said the university had no further comment.
The governor’s office confirmed that the May 8 commencement ceremony is on Evette’s calendar.
It has led to an online petition, which as of 2:30 p.m. Tuesday had more than 2,600 signatures.
“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 says. “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.”
Student Government President Zaria Tucker posted on Facebook that Evette’s support of President Donald Trump and his stances are contrary to the culture of historically Black colleges and universities.
Specifically, Tucker posted about efforts to rollback diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, Evette’s call for a facility in South Carolina to house immigrants wanted for deportation, and defending Trump after he posted a video that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as monkeys.
“Commencement is one of the most important moments of our collegiate experience, it should reflect the voices, values and lived experiences of the students it celebrates,” Tucker posted on Facebook. “Right now, many students are speaking out, not to divide, but to be heard.”
State Rep. Hamilton Grant, D-Richland, who is an SC State alum, was critical of the school’s decision to extend the invitation for commencement, calling the decision tone-deaf.
“Commencement is sacred when you look at the history of our people and the plights that we’ve come through and the joy around graduation,” Grant said. “You want to hear words of encouragement from people who have done well, and by all intents and purposes, (the) lieutenant governor has done a great job in her career. It’s not so much as being exposed to alternative or different mindsets, more so as it is on direct stances that go against historically Black colleges and universities.”
The governor’s office, in a statement, said Evette was “honored to accept the invitation” to speak at SC State commencement. Gov. Henry McMaster was the school’s commencement speaker in 2017, a speech that also received protests from students.
Evette posted a video on social media Tuesday as word of the controversy circulated. She said she supports eliminating DEI initiatives on college campuses, and defended Trump’s record on helping HBCUs.
“I’m ending DEI on campuses once and for all. Stay tuned. I’m going to have a lot more to say about this later,” Evette said. “In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating commencement with the students and faculty at S.C. State.”
This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 2:48 PM.
