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SC State Faculty Demand Leadership Resignations After Shooting

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 19:42 GMT by Fox Carolina
      Locales: South Carolina, UNITED STATES

SC State Faculty Intensify Calls for Leadership Change Following Campus Shooting

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (February 19, 2026) -- The South Carolina State University (SC State) community remains in mourning and outrage today following yesterday's devastating shooting that left multiple students and staff dead and several more injured. As the campus begins the arduous process of healing, a growing chorus of faculty members is demanding the immediate resignation of University Police Chief Randall Peterson and Vice President of Finance, Marcus Bell. The faculty senate, led by Dr. Eleanor Vance, asserts that systemic failures in both security and financial management contributed directly to the tragedy, creating a climate of vulnerability that allowed the shooting to occur.

The shooting, which took place near the Student Union building on Wednesday afternoon, sent shockwaves through the Orangeburg community and sparked a renewed national debate about campus safety. Details are still emerging, but investigators confirm the incident involved a single shooter who was ultimately apprehended after a tense standoff with responding officers. The identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of families. A dedicated family assistance center has been established at the nearby Orangeburg Convention Center.

Dr. Vance, speaking at a press conference this morning, detailed a litany of concerns that faculty have raised for years. "This wasn't a random act," she stated emphatically. "This was a tragedy waiting to happen. We repeatedly warned the administration about inadequate security staffing, outdated emergency protocols, and a lack of investment in vital safety infrastructure. Those warnings were ignored."

Specifically, faculty point to a significant reduction in campus police officers over the past three years, coinciding with budget cuts implemented by the VP of Finance, Marcus Bell. Documents obtained by Fox Carolina, and now circulating widely online, show internal memos detailing concerns about reduced patrol coverage, particularly during peak hours near the Student Union. These memos allegedly highlighted the increased risk of incidents, referencing a specific threat assessment conducted in late 2025 that predicted a potential for violence.

"The university prioritized cosmetic upgrades and non-essential projects over the safety of its students and employees," claimed Professor Anya Sharma, a member of the Faculty Senate's safety committee. "Funding was diverted from security enhancements to initiatives that offered little tangible benefit to the campus community. It's a heartbreaking betrayal of trust."

The call for Peterson's removal stems from concerns about the effectiveness of the campus police force's training and response capabilities. Critics allege that officers were ill-equipped to handle an active shooter situation and that communication breakdowns hampered the initial response. Furthermore, questions are being raised about the department's relationship with local law enforcement and the lack of coordinated emergency preparedness drills.

The university administration, in a statement released late yesterday, expressed "deep sorrow" and pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. However, this response has been met with widespread dissatisfaction. Students and faculty are demanding concrete action, not just words of sympathy. Organizers are expecting a large turnout at a protest scheduled for tomorrow morning outside the university's administrative building.

Several state legislators, including Senator James Caldwell and Representative Sarah Miller, have announced independent inquiries into the shooting and the circumstances surrounding it. Senator Caldwell has vowed to subpoena university records related to security funding and internal communications. Representative Miller has indicated plans to introduce legislation mandating stricter campus safety standards across the state.

The tragedy at SC State has ignited a broader conversation about campus security nationwide. Higher education institutions are facing increasing pressure to address the growing threat of gun violence and to implement comprehensive safety measures. Experts suggest that a multi-faceted approach is needed, including improved security technology, enhanced mental health services, and proactive threat assessment protocols.

The FBI has also joined the investigation, offering its resources and expertise to local authorities. Authorities are currently focusing on the shooter's background and potential motives. A preliminary investigation suggests the suspect was not a student or employee of the university, but a resident of nearby Columbia with a history of mental health issues.

The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as they become available. The focus now is on supporting the SC State community and ensuring that those responsible for any failures are held accountable. The long-term implications of this tragedy are likely to reshape campus safety policies and practices for years to come.