‘Bring it on’: Evette responds to SC State protests against commencement speech

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — Students at South Carolina State University are protesting the potential selection of Lieutenant Governor Pam Evette as the Spring 2026 commencement speaker.

The protests at the state’s only public Historically Black College and University in Orangeburg County against Evette highlight controversy surrounding her political stances and affiliations.

Evette, who was at the welcome ceremony for the British monarch and queen consort at the White House on the day the protests began, addressed the situation on her Facebook page.

“Let’s be clear: facts trump feelings in the real world. President Trump and conservatives have done more for HBCUs than any administration in history. I must be doing something right because ‘woke mobs’ are coming after me like a champion of eliminating radical DEI scams on college campuses, so bring it on,” Evette said.

A petition calling for her removal has gathered close to 9,000 signatures as of Wednesday morning. Organizers of the petition cite her political positions and affiliations as a gubernatorial candidate, noting they have generated significant controversy across South Carolina.

This controversy is particularly felt among communities that report feeling marginalized by current state policies, according to organizers.

In a separate Facebook post, Evette reiterated her position, stating, “These leftist protestors are coming after me because they know I will not bend a knee or compromise on South Carolina’s conservative values.”

South Carolina State University has not yet issued a formal announcement regarding the selection of its 2026 commencement speaker.