The SCSU commencement speaker controversy is intensifying as students at South Carolina State University continue protesting a reported decision to invite South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette as the university’s 2026 commencement speaker. 🔗 IN BIO FULL ARTICLE⁠ ⁠ “Commencement is sacred. It should honor the people in front of that podium.” — At the center of it all? A bigger question about representation, respect, and who gets to stand on that stage during one of the most important moments in a student’s life.⁠ ⁠ What started as campus frustration has now grown into a broader movement, with students organizing protests, launching petitions, and now releasing a joint statement in solidarity that is gaining attention across the HBCU community. As first reported when The State covered the backlash, the decision quickly sparked concern among students who say the choice does not reflect the values of the institution.⁠ ⁠ Students say this moment is bigger than one speaker—it’s about being ...