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
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.
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.”
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)
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
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.
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.
