MORNING HEADLINES | A scheduled May 8 commencement speech by Republican gubernatorial candidate and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette at South Carolina State University is bringing calls from students and some legislators for administrators to pick someone else.
“Pamela Evette’s political positions and affiliations have raised significant controversy in South Carolina, especially among communities who feel marginalized by current state policies,” according to a petition signed by 116 students. “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.”
In response, Evette called students at the historically Black university to be “woke mob” for protesting the coming commencement speech as they cited her opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on college campuses.
“She can’t speak over us. She doesn’t relate to us. She doesn’t support us,” said Gianna Wright, an S.C. State student at a protest. “None of her viewpoints align with any Black person that goes to this school. It’s a slap in the face. It’s distasteful. It’s disrespectful.”
“It’s a tone-deaf decision,” said state Rep. Hamilton Grant, a Columbia Democrat and S.C. State alum. “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.”
Students continued protesting Tuesday night, and told reporters they planned to continue the protest throughout the week.
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