A group of South Carolina state representatives has called for the removal of funding for South Carolina State University after the institution rescinded a commencement speaking invitation to Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette. In a formal letter to Ways and Means Committee Chair Bruce Bannister, lawmakers characterized the university’s decision as shameful and urged that the school be excluded from the state’s upcoming budget.
The controversy began when SC State withdrew its invitation to Evette following student protests. Student groups argued that the Lieutenant Governor’s political platform did not align with the values of the historically Black university. University officials cited these protests and subsequent safety concerns as the primary reasons for the reversal.
Evette expressed disappointment over the decision, maintaining that her planned remarks were focused on hard work and perseverance rather than politics. She emphasized that college campuses should serve as hubs for diverse viewpoints and debate, regardless of political affiliation. She further argued that any institution receiving taxpayer dollars maintains an obligation to remain unbiased and open to various perspectives.
The push to strip funding poses a significant threat to SC State, which, as the state’s only public HBCU, relies heavily on government allocations. If the request to keep the university off the second version of the state budget is successful, the school could face a substantial financial crisis. As of now, Chairman Bannister has not issued a formal response to the lawmakers’ demand.
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