SC State Rescinds Evette's Commencement Invite After Protests

South Carolina State University, the state's only public historically Black college or university, rescinded its invitation to Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette to deliver the commencement address on May 8 after student protests and concerns over safety.

The decision followed weeks of demonstrations by students opposed to Evette's selection, citing her political positions including support for former President Donald Trump, opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and backing for redistricting efforts. Protests included campus marches, a sit-in at the administration building on April 28, and an online petition that gathered more than 12,000 signatures. Students chanted phrases such as "We are not a mob, we are just aware" and argued that the speaker should reflect the institution's values and the graduating class's experiences. Student Government Association President Zaria C. Tucker stated that commencement "should reflect the voices, values, and lived experiences of the students it celebrates."

University President Alexander Conyers initially defended the invitation, noting Evette's background as a business leader who built a company from a startup to a...