GOP lawmakers seek to defund HBCU after it canceled Republican's commencement speech
South Carolina Republican lawmakers are pushing to defund South Carolina State University, the state's only public HBCU, after it canceled Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette's commencement speech due to student protests and security concerns. University officials cited safety threats as the reason for rescinding the invitation, originally extended in recognition of Evette's business background. The incident has sparked political backlash, with GOP leaders accusing the university of political bias and threatening financial consequences.
- ▪South Carolina State University rescinded Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette's commencement invitation due to student protests and credible safety threats.
- ▪Evette, a Republican and supporter of former President Donald Trump, described the opposition as part of a broader pattern of canceling conservative speakers.
- ▪The university had previously hosted former President Joe Biden as its commencement speaker in 2021.
- ▪South Carolina GOP lawmakers are now proposing to cut state funding to the university in response to the decision.
- ▪University officials stated the invitation was initially based on Evette's record as a business leader and entrepreneur.
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South Carolina GOP lawmakers seek to defund HBCU after it canceled Republican's commencement speech The school previously hosted former President Joe Biden to be its commencement speaker in 2021 By Alec Schemmel Fox News Published April 30, 2026 8:46pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video GOP lawmakers vow to defund college after school rescinds conservative speaker's commencement invitation Republican Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette tells Fox News Digital that South Carolina State University was trying to cancel her because she supports President Trump. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! South Carolina Republicans are pushing to strip funding from the state’s only public HBCU after the university rescinded Republican Lt. Gov.
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