DONKEY: Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Removed As SC State Commencement Speaker

Summary

Podcast Summary: Donkey of the Day – Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette Removed as SC State Commencement Speaker

Podcast: Donkey of the Day (The Breakfast Club, Power 105.1 FM)
Host: Charlamagne tha God
Episode Date: April 30, 2026

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Overview

In this episode, Charlamagne tha God awards the “Donkey of the Day” to South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. The focus is on the controversy surrounding Evette being invited, and subsequently removed, as the commencement speaker at South Carolina State University (SC State), a historically Black university (HBCU). The students’ protests stemmed from Evette’s public opposition to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—an issue deeply significant to HBCUs—and her alignment with policies and rhetoric many students view as harmful. Charlamagne analyzes why SC State's decision to disinvite her was appropriate, contextualizes student activism, and highlights voices from the campus.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

Background: Why Pamela Evette Was Disinvited

• Charlamagne sets the context: Pamela Evette was scheduled to deliver the commencement address at SC State but faced student protests due to her public stance against DEI initiatives.
  • “Pamela Evette was scheduled to be the commencement speaker at South Carolina State University… but the students… said, man, watch out.” (03:13)
• DEI programs are foundational to HBCUs—providing resources, supporting student success, and combating systemic inequities.
  • “Without DEI, HBCUs aren’t ensured funding for infrastructure and student programs… DEI initiatives help close these gaps… and combat systemic racism in hiring and education.” (04:11)

Students’ Perspective

• Students expressed that Evette “just doesn’t align with our values here at South Carolina State University.” (03:07)
• Commencement should reflect students' experiences and celebrate their achievements, not be overshadowed by opposing viewpoints.
  • Student spokesperson: “She speaks against DEI, which every HBCU, honestly, every school benefits from…” (03:12)

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette’s Response

• Evette defended her position and doubled down on her anti-DEI views, advocating for an end to tenure and what she described as “indoctrination by professors.”
  • “We have to get rid of DEI on college campuses. We’ve got to get rid of indoctrination by professors… by ending tenure.” (03:58)
• She characterized the student protesters as a “woke mob,” positioning herself as a victim of cancel culture.
  • “I must be doing something right because woke mobs are coming after me… I’ll never back down or bend a knee to the woke radicals.” (08:04)

Historical and Cultural Context

• Charlamagne referenced SC State’s legacy of activism, notably the Orangeburg Massacre (1968), pressing the importance of student-led protests for justice.
  • “The same spirit of those kids… protesting segregation in ‘68… was the same spirit we saw… protesting against Lt. Governor Pamela Evette in 2026.” (05:10)
• The resonance of history makes the choice of commencement speaker especially sensitive at an HBCU.

University’s Decision and Administration Comments

• SC State President Alexander Conyers announced the rescinding of Evette’s invitation, emphasizing student achievement and rejecting negative stereotypes about protest.
  • “I certainly don’t want people to think that the students here at South Carolina State University… are thugs. I’ve made the decision to rescind the invitation…” (06:59)

Student Voices: What the Moment Means

• Nakira Marie, a student, spoke powerfully about why this issue transcends politics:
  • “This is not a black and white issue. This isn’t a political issue… It’s a morality issue. …Commencement, we should have someone who’s going to celebrate us. How can someone who goes against everything that we stand for… uplift me?” (09:20)
  • “Being conservative is not the issue… But she’s explicitly said, I am a Trump conservative… If you believe in Trump, you support… bigotry… racism… She also supports ICE. We don’t believe in that. South Carolina State has a history… of standing up and believing in what’s right.” (09:45)

Charlamagne’s Analysis and Rhetoric

• “All she proved to me with that statement is that South Carolina State University made the absolute wrong choice to have her as the commencement speaker, but the absolute right choice in removing her.” (08:39)
• “Students… have the right to say who gets to represent their HBCU on its biggest stage.” (08:39)
• He humorously and passionately praises student activism and underscores the importance of commencement speakers reflecting the community’s values.
• Suggests Nakira Marie as a suitable replacement for commencement speaker, celebrating her clarity and courage.
  • “SC State, if you’re looking for a commencement speaker, there she go. Kira Marie.” (10:32)
• Concludes by giving Pamela Evette the “Donkey of the Day,” with Chelsea Handler’s signature “hee haw.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Charlamagne, on the significance of the issue:
  • “Commencement day should be all about the students… That moment does not need to be overshadowed by someone in opposition to the values these students believe in.” (04:11)
• Student on DEI:
  • “She speaks against DEI, which every HBCU, honestly, every school benefits from…” (03:12)
• President Alexander Conyers announces the withdrawal:
  • “I’ve made the decision to rescind the invitation to the Lieutenant Governor to speak at your commencement.” (06:59)
• Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, casting protesters as ‘woke mob’:
  • “I must be doing something right because woke mobs are coming after me for being a champion of eliminating radical DEI scams on college campuses.” (08:04)
• Student Nakira Marie, on what commencement should represent:
  • “It’s a morality issue. …How can someone who goes against everything that we stand for and believe in moral[ity]…uplift me?” (09:20)
  • “Being conservative is not the issue… But she’s explicitly said I am a Trump conservative… If you believe in Trump, you support bigotry, you support racism.” (09:45)
• Charlamagne, in conclusion:
  • “Those young men and women at SC State were 100% correct in their right to protest. …They told you to get to stepping.” (10:39)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Awarding Donkey of the Day and Background: 02:13–03:48
• Student Perspective and News Coverage: 03:07–03:58
• Lt. Gov. Evette’s Anti-DEI Remarks: 03:58–04:11, 08:04–08:39
• Historical Context – Orangeburg Massacre: 05:10–06:59
• University President’s Statement: 06:59
• Student Protest Voices (Nakira Marie): 09:20–10:32
• Charlamagne’s Analysis and Conclusion: 10:32–11:32

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Tone and Style

Charlamagne delivers the episode with his signature blend of humor, passion, and social critique. He is unapologetically supportive of the students and uses vivid language and historical references to underscore the significance of the issue. The tone is candid, lively, and rooted in advocacy for justice and student rights.

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Summary

This “Donkey of the Day” episode explores why student activism matters, especially in spaces with deep historical roots like HBCUs. It highlights how decisions about who gets the microphone at major events like commencement are not just ceremonial—they’re deeply symbolic, reflecting the community’s identity and values. Charlamagne backs the SC State students’ right to protest, critiques the administration’s original choice, and sharply rebukes Pamela Evette’s anti-DEI rhetoric. The message is clear: commencement is about celebrating and uplifting students, and their voices deserve to lead the way.

Transcript

[Podcast Host]

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[Charlamagne tha God]

You are a donkey. It's time for Donkey of the Day. Donkey of the Day does not discriminate. I might not have the song of the day, bro.

[South Carolina State University Official]

I got the Donkey day.

[Charlamagne tha God]

So if you ever feel I need

[Co-host/Panelist]

to be a donkey man, hit it with the hero.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Yes, the Breakfast Club.

[TikTok Advertiser]

Who's donkey of the day today?

[Charlamagne tha God]

Well, it's Sharon Donkey Today for Thursday, April 30th goes the Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evit of South Carolina. Drop on the clues bombs from my home state of South Carolina. Okay. 843-80-3864 all day now. If you haven't heard, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evatt was scheduled to be the commencement speaker at South Carolina State University. Drop one of clues bombs for SC State University. Damn it. My mother graduates from SC State University, class of 1975. Okay, I also have an honorary degree from SC State University. So this one, this one hits a little different, I'll come over there and punch you.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Sorry, sorry.

[Charlamagne tha God]

I'll get Beijing all over my knuckles right now. Sorry, sorry.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Just made me chuckle, guys.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Okay, now, now, as I said, Pamela Ebbit was scheduled to be the commencement speaker at SC State University. Okay, Bought the students of. But the SEC this. She was scheduled to be the commencement speaker of S.C. state University, but the students of S.C. state University said, man, watch out. Okay, let's go to CBS10 for the report, please.

[Student Speaker]

Well, honestly, she just doesn't align with

[Charlamagne tha God]

our values here at South Carolina State University.

[Student Speaker]

She speaks against dei, which every hbcu, honestly, every school benefits from student government

[News Reporter]

leaders and seniors saying their concerns focus on whether the speaker reflects the values of the university community. Students say commencement should be about a moment that reflects their experience and their future. During a press conference Wednesday morning, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Yvette says she was invited months ago and plans to deliver a positive message.

[Casual Conversationalist]

The college called and asked if I would be their commencement speaker and was happy to do that. I'm always happy to share a positive message.

[News Reporter]

She also called to end diversity, equity and inclusion. But she also pushed back on criticism, pointing to what she calls a broader issue on college campuses.

[Casual Conversationalist]

We have to get rid of DEI on college campuses. We've got to get rid of indoctrination by professors on college campuses by ending tenure.

[Charlamagne tha God]

She's no longer the commencement speaker and I have zero problem with this. Okay? Why? Because Commencement day should be all about the students, okay? That's what commencement ceremonies are for, to celebrate the students, their accomplishment of graduating. It's about reflection for the students, closure for the students, and most importantly, recognition of their academic journey. Okay? Commencement ceremonies honor the hard work of students, the personal sacrifices of students, and the achievements of the students who are now graduates. And it's also an opportunity for families and loved ones to share in the pride of the moment. That moment does not need to be overshadowed by someone who is in opposition to the values that these students believe in. Okay? Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evatt has publicly opposed DEI programs. That's her right as an American. But who in the hell would invite someone who was against DEI to speak at an hbcu? Okay, Pamela, I don't know if you know, but when the Trump administration attacks DEI, they are attacking HBCUs and HBCU students as well. Okay? Cuz without DEI, HBCUs aren't insured funding for infrastructure and student programs, their access to top employers are halted. Basically, DEI initiatives help you know, close these gaps that exist in regards to access to opportunities for these black students. Not to mention they combat systemic racism in hiring and education. All that progress black people have made rolled back because of your boy. And you are in public opposition to DEI programs. Okay. That attack HBCUs. But you want to come speak at an HBCU. That makes no sense to me. Also, South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers. Why would y' all want that? Okay. Like, her views don't politically align with the school's history. They don't align with S.C. state's mission. They don't align with the history of Orangeburg. Do I have to remind you of February 8, 1968, when students from S.C. state and Claplin were protesting segregation? And after days of demonstration, law enforcement confronted those students and let off shots, opened fire on a bunch of unarmed students. The Orangeburg Massacre. Those protests were organized by S.C. state students. Okay. The confrontation happened near the campus grounds. Okay. Samuel Hammond Jr. Who was killed, was an S.C. state student. Henry Smith, who was killed, was an SC State student. Rest in peace. To Delano Middleton as well. I think he was in high school at the time, but dozens of SC State and classroom students were injured. Okay. The same spirit of those kids who are out there protesting segregation in 68. That was the same spirit that we saw the past couple of days protesting against Lt. Governor Pamela Evatt in 2026. Maybe that's what President Conyers was trying to say when he was speaking yesterday because he seemed to be concerned about how the students of S.C. state would be perceived. Let's listen.

[South Carolina State University Official]

We can't pull back what's out on social media. We can't pull back what people think. But I certainly don't want people to think that the students here at South Carolina State University, future educators, doctors, lawyers, attorneys, scientists, business owners, are thugs. I've made the decision to rescind the invitation to the Lieutenant governor to speak at your commencement.

[Charlamagne tha God]

In light of the history in Orangeburg, I can understand the trauma that he may be feeling. I don't want to speak for him, but it sounds like something like the Orangeburg massacre is in the back of his mind. But let the record show protesting is not an act of terrorism. Okay. But rather a constitutional right. Those kids at S.C. state exercise their right to peacefully protest. So anyone who looks at those kids as thugs, that says more about them than it does those kids. Those are probably the same people who called January 6th insurrection as patriots. But call a bunch of young black men and women at S.C. state University protesting thugs and a WOKE mob. Oh, yes. Pamela Evatt called him a woke mob. Let's listen.

[Casual Conversationalist]

Well, I was at the White House today. I heard about what's happening on the campus of S.C. state University. 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 for being a champion of eliminating radical DEI scams on college campuses. So bring it on. Just like President Trump. I'll never back down or bend a knee to the woke radicals. I'm ending de high on campuses once and for all.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Oh, the Hellmans was heavy in that statement. Wipe the mayonnaise off your fingers. Okay. All she proved to me with that statement is that South Carolina State University made the absolute wrong choice to have her as the commencement speaker, but the absolute right choice in removing her. Okay. Those young men and women at S.C. state were 100% correct in their right to protest. They have the right to say who gets to represent their HBCU on its biggest stage. Now, SC State. If you are looking for a new commencement speaker, look no further than one of your own right there on campus. Nakira Marie, I believe that's her name. I watched this clip of her speaking like about four times yesterday. Let's listen.

[Student Speaker]

I want to be clear about this. This is not a black and white issue. This isn't a political issue. It's not a Democratic or Republican Party issue. It's not about that. It's a morality issue. We're here, we've been here for four or five years. Commencement. We should have someone who's going to celebrate us. How can someone who goes against everything that we stand for and believe in moral. How can that person uplift me?

[Charlamagne tha God]

Stepping into the real world.

[Student Speaker]

How, how can I? I don't feel supported. I, I, it's nothing that she can say that will make me feel encouraged to step out into this society, a society where the, the America and the country that I believe in. She don't have that same agenda. And I want to say something. Being conservative is not the issue. That's all right. We all have our own political right. But she, she's explicitly said I am a Trump concern. Okay, if you believe in Trump, you support ped, you support bigotry, you support racism. What else? Pro, pro police. The same police that's killing our people. The same. And also, she also supports ice. We don't believe in that. South Carolina State has a history of being activist and being proactive and standing up and believing in what's right.

[Charlamagne tha God]

SSC State. If you're looking for a commencement speaker, There she go. Kira Marie. Dropping the clue's moms from the Cara Marie. Okay.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Yep.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Pamela. Evan, if you had no idea why they didn't want you there, she just told you. Okay. Also, you can't refer to your critics as a woke mob and double down on your positions because all you did was further alienate students and you reinforce their concerns. And guess what? Concerns, when managed effectively, turn into actionable steps. And the students of S.C. state respectfully managed their concerns. And they told you to get to stepping. Please let Chelsea Handler give South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evatt the biggest. Hee haw.

[Mental Health Advocate]

Hee haw. Hee haw.

[Cheryl Strayed]

That is way too much.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Dan Mayonnaise dropping a clues. Monster. SC State again. Damn it. Okay. And you're gonna respect my honorary degree from S.C. state, you hear me?

[Co-host/Panelist]

I didn't mean to chuckle.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Okay.

[Co-host/Panelist]

I didn't mean to laugh out loud

[Charlamagne tha God]

because you got a real degree.

[Co-host/Panelist]

I do.

[Charlamagne tha God]

And it means nothing. My honorary degree means a lot.

[Co-host/Panelist]

That means nothing.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Okay. No, you did you work. You worked for yours.

[Co-host/Panelist]

That's right.

[Charlamagne tha God]

And your class. How did you feel at your commencement ceremony and be.

[Co-host/Panelist]

How did I feel?

[Charlamagne tha God]

Yes. How did you feel? Like who did. You don't remember?

[Co-host/Panelist]

I remember a couple of years before they had Bush and everybody was upset about that. Like, why the hell you would bring Bush on this campus to speak.

[Charlamagne tha God]

We've had Hillary Rod, and also, y' all didn't protest. So y' all didn't have the revolutionary spirit of the kids at South Carolina State University.

[Mental Health Advocate]

She was talking.

[Student Speaker]

Her talking.

[Charlamagne tha God]

But you don't really care. Cause you Dominican.

[Co-host/Panelist]

We did protest.

[Charlamagne tha God]

No, you did.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Yes, they did. They did protest. But, I mean, at the time, the president at the time, that that's what was happening. And he kind of did what he wanted to do, so that that's what was happening.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Y' all ain't protest hard enough.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Then we had Barack Obama after that.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Okay.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Yeah. So.

[Charlamagne tha God]

No. Who spoke at yours, though?

[Co-host/Panelist]

I can't remember who spoke at mine.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Man, that poor person.

[Mental Health Advocate]

I can't smoke.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Was you high? Like you don't know.

[Co-host/Panelist]

What was you doing? I was happy to graduate.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Drinking.

[Co-host/Panelist]

I was. I was happy to graduate.

[Cheryl Strayed]

Okay.

[South Carolina State University Official]

That's.

[Co-host/Panelist]

That's what it was. And I didn't graduate in my year. I graduated a semester after, so.

[Charlamagne tha God]

But commencement ceremonies are for the students.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Yes, they are. Absolutely.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Even if they don't remember who their Commencement speakers are. Yeah.

[Mental Health Advocate]

Cause you're supposed to.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Yes.

[Mental Health Advocate]

If I went to college, I would have remembered.

[Charlamagne tha God]

You don't remember who spoke at BMCC when you graduated?

[Mental Health Advocate]

Ain't no bmcc, yo. No, it was cbcc. Community College of Baltimore City.

[Charlamagne tha God]

There you go.

[Mental Health Advocate]

Rome went to Baltimore City.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Speaker. That's crazy. How was her baby daddy, the commencement speaker?

[Mental Health Advocate]

No, he wasn't.

[Charlamagne tha God]

College graduation?

[Mental Health Advocate]

No. Before Rome went to Morgan State University, he went to BCCC and I went to ccbc. They was both community colleges. But B, triple C is like a nicer, like, you know, a better community college.

[Charlamagne tha God]

That sounds like something I gotta take for my cholesterol.

[Mental Health Advocate]

Bcct.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Yes,

[Mental Health Advocate]

whatever.

[Podcast Host]

Anyway.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Oh, my goodness. All right, well, thank you for that donkey today. Now when we come back, just fix my mess. 800-585-1051. You know, her book is out right now.

[Charlamagne tha God]

Till death do we parent.

[Co-host/Panelist]

Till death do we parent. So if you need some relationship issues, if you're having some co parenting issues in your life and she can help you out, she has a book she wrote about it and she will help you with your problems. So call her up right now. 800-585-1051 is the Breakfast Club. Good morning.

[Charlamagne tha God]

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[Mental Health Advocate]

the story I told myself can then shape my behavior. And that can lead me to sabotage

[Podcast Host]

the possibility of connection this mental health awareness month. Tune into the podcast deeply well with Debbie Brown. If you've been searching for a soft place to land while doing the work to become whole, this podcast is for you. To hear more, listen to Deeply well with Debbie Brown from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Cheryl Strayed]

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[Podcast Host]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.